China's economy slows further in July as retail sales barely grow, investment slump steepens

The data is reinforcing concerns about the health of the world's second-largest economy, which has grappled with a deepening supply-demand imbalance.

Americans sharply pulled back on retail spending in July even as inflation remained elevated, raising fresh questions about whether the U.S. economy is weakening beneath the surface of the Iran war’s supply-driven price shock.

Americans unexpectedly cut their spending in July by the biggest drop since May 2025, raising doubts about the resiliency of consumers who have kept spending and powering the economy despite the rising costs of daily expenses

U.S. Retail Sales Slump Sharply After Tax-Refund Boost Fades  HuffPost

Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios American consumers have powered the economy forward this year. In July, they took a breather. Why it matters: While the underlying trend in consumer demand appears solid, retail sales hit an air pocket last month, suggesting a bumpier path ahead for overall growth. Combined

The data for July showed the biggest drop in more than a year, as American households face the economic strains brought on by persistent inflation

US retail sales slump unexpectedly and sharply after a summer tax-refund boost fades  AP News

The U.S. Department of Commerce said Friday that retail sales dropped 0.6% in July from June, the largest decline since May 2025.

US retail sales post first decline in nine months in July  Reuters

There was a notable bump in spending in both April and May as Americans dipped into their tax refunds. That affect may have faded last month.

Sales at U.S. retailers in July had the largest decline in 14 months, but not because the economy sputtered. Americans spent less at gas stations due to cheaper fuel and bought less online after Amazon’s summer sales bonanza.

Total retail and food services sales came in at $763.6 billion, down from $768.1 billion in June but up 5% from a year earlier

Shoppers unexpectedly cut their spending in July as a boost from government tax refunds faded

A weak market in the Lower Mainland is weighing on homes sales in British Columbia, with both transactions and average prices falling in July.