By forex calendar in Retail Sales m/m —

USD Retail Sales m/m, Feb 10, 2026

Shopping Slowdown? US Retail Sales Stall, Raising Concerns for the Economy

Meta Description: US Retail Sales m/m data for February 2026 shows a surprising 0.0% growth, missing forecasts. Discover what this means for your wallet, jobs, and the US dollar.

Ever wondered if those new shoes you bought, the groceries you picked up, or the last-minute gift you snagged actually make a difference to the big picture? The latest economic news out of the US on February 10, 2026, suggests that collectively, our spending habits have hit a pause button. The US Retail Sales m/m (month-over-month) report, a crucial snapshot of how much Americans are spending at stores, came in at a flat 0.0%. This is a significant surprise, as economists had predicted a healthy 0.4% increase. To put it simply, our national shopping spree has unexpectedly stalled.

This news is more than just a blip on a financial screen; it's a direct signal about the health of the US economy and what it might mean for your everyday life. When people stop spending, businesses often respond by slowing down production, which can eventually impact jobs and even the value of the US dollar.

What Exactly Are "Retail Sales"?

So, what does this "Retail Sales m/m" actually measure? Think of it as the total amount of money spent at shops and online stores, from your local grocery mart to big-box retailers and your favorite e-commerce giants. The Census Bureau, a reliable source for this kind of information, tracks this data meticulously. It's essentially a measure of consumer spending, and as the background notes explain, consumer spending is the primary gauge of economic activity, making up the largest chunk of how our economy grows.

The "m/m" part simply means we're looking at the change from one month to the next. The data released on February 10, 2026, represents sales from the previous month. This is the earliest and most comprehensive look we get at this vital data, often referred to as Advance Retail Sales.

Decoding the Numbers: A Stark Contrast to Expectations

The latest numbers paint a picture that’s quite different from what experts anticipated. The forecast for February 2026 retail sales was a solid 0.4% growth. This would have indicated that consumers were opening their wallets and keeping the economic engine humming. In fact, the previous month's figure stood at a robust 0.6%, showing a healthy level of spending.

However, the actual result of 0.0% means that the total value of sales at the retail level didn't budge from the month before. Imagine a car engine that was revving at a good pace, and then suddenly it just idles. That’s the economic equivalent of what we're seeing here. This high-impact data point is causing many to reassess their economic outlook.

Why Traders Care: You might wonder why financial professionals, or "traders," pay so much attention to this. It's because retail sales are a direct reflection of consumer confidence and the ability and willingness of people to spend money. When spending slows, it can signal potential trouble ahead for businesses, employment, and the overall US dollar's strength.

The Ripple Effect: How Stagnant Sales Affect You

A 0.0% retail sales growth might seem abstract, but it has tangible consequences for everyday Americans.

  • Your Wallet and Prices: If consumers aren't spending as much, businesses might find themselves with excess inventory. To clear shelves, they could be forced to offer discounts. However, if this slowdown persists and leads to reduced production, it could eventually put upward pressure on prices in certain sectors if supply can't keep up with demand in the long run.
  • Jobs and Employment: When sales decline or stagnate, companies may scale back their expansion plans, reduce hiring, or even resort to layoffs. This can lead to a rise in the unemployment rate, making it harder for people to find work or keep their current jobs.
  • The US Dollar: For international markets, a weak US economy often translates to a weaker US dollar. This means that goods imported into the US could become more expensive, and US exports become cheaper for foreign buyers. For travelers, this could make international trips more costly.
  • Interest Rates and Mortgages: If a spending slowdown leads to concerns about economic growth, the Federal Reserve might consider adjusting interest rates. Lower interest rates could make borrowing for things like mortgages or car loans more affordable, while higher rates would have the opposite effect.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for the US Economy?

The unexpected stall in retail sales is a key indicator that economists and policymakers will be watching closely. The delay in this report, due to a US government shutdown, adds another layer of complexity to the analysis. However, the fact that this is the earliest and broadest look at consumer spending makes it an essential piece of the economic puzzle.

The next release of US Retail Sales m/m data, scheduled for March 16, 2026, will be eagerly anticipated. Investors and businesses will be looking for signs of a rebound in consumer spending. A continued lack of growth could signal a more significant economic slowdown, while a bounce back would suggest that the pause was temporary.

In essence, while you might not feel the direct impact of a 0.0% figure in your immediate purchases, it's a crucial signal that the collective behavior of millions of shoppers is having a noticeable effect on the broader US economy. Keeping an eye on these economic indicators can help you better understand the financial forces shaping your daily life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Headline News: US Retail Sales m/m for February 2026 unexpectedly came in at 0.0%, missing the forecast of 0.4% and significantly lower than the previous month's 0.6%.
  • What it Means: This indicates a stall in consumer spending, a critical driver of the US economy.
  • Why it Matters: Slowing consumer spending can impact jobs, prices, business growth, and the strength of the US dollar.
  • Trader Focus: Financial markets closely monitor retail sales as a key barometer of economic health.
  • Next Steps: The upcoming March release will be crucial to see if this slowdown is a temporary blip or a sign of broader economic challenges.