Retail sales slump in July

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

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.