Retail Sales Come in Below Expectations After 2 Months of Declines

Shoppers look at items displayed at a grocery store in Washington, DC, on February 15, 2023. - Retail sales in the United States rebounded in January, government data showed Wednesday, logging the biggest gain since early 2021 as policymakers watch for signs that consumer spending is cooling in the longer run. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. retail sales rose slightly in April but fell below expectations after two months of declines.

Retail sales are primarily goods and are not adjusted for inflation, while changes in the category are widely followed as an indicator of consumer spending.