August US Retail Sales Rise More Than Expected, Ex-Auto Sales Accelerate

08:44 AM EDT, 09/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US retail sales were up 1.2% in August, a larger gain than the 0.8% increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and following the previous month's revised 0.5% decrease. Excluding a 0.6% increase in motor vehicle sales, retail sales were up 1.4% compared with an expected 0.6% increase. That followed a 0.2% decline in July. Removing both motor vehicles and a 3.1% rebound in gasoline station sales, retail sales were up 1.2% in August after a 0.3% decline in July. Sales at nonstore retailers rose by 2.6% after a 1.7% decline while food services and drinking place sales rose 1.2% after a 0.5% gain in the previous month. There were also notable sales increases for electronics and appliance stores, clothing and clothing accessories stores, and sporting goods, while building material sales declined. Control group sales, which exclude food services, autos, gasoline and building materials, rose by 1.4% after a 0.4% decline. The monthly retail sales report from the US Commerce Department measures spending on retail products and food, the largest portion of economic growth. The report covers spending on goods with a services report released later each month. Investors watch the control group that excludes food services, autos, gasoline and building materials because it feeds directly into the GDP report measuring economic growth. If the data shows a strong US economy, that's generally bullish for stocks and bearish for bonds.