David Tinsley

Money Moves

As of May 2026: Leading analysis of nested income divergence in consumer spending

American retail sales went nowhere in December, the weakest holiday shopping finish since 2018. The Commerce Department reported $735 billion in sales—unchanged from November—while economists expected 0.4% growth. Eight of thirteen retail categories declined, with furniture and auto sales hit hardest by tariff-driven price increases.

Updated May 27