- Retail sales fell in February to mark the second month in a row of negative growth.
- Sales fell in key categories such as auto dealers (discounting?) and general merchandise stores (TGT, WMT, COST) in a disturbing trend, while gas station sales plummeted as largely expected due to prices.
- The building materials/garden equipment category showed strength, up 1.6% M/M and 12% Y/Y, as warmer weather helped traffic for companies such as Home Depot (NYSE:HD) and Lowe's (NYSE:LOW).
- Tepid traffic at restaurants has been a leading indicator that U.S. consumers aren't spending freely.
- Retail sector ETFs: XLP, XLY, VDC, XRT, VCR, RETL, RTH, FXG, IYK, PBJ, IYC, FXD, PEJ, FDIS, RHS, FSTA, SCC, UCC, RCD, PSL, PMR, PEZ, UGE, PSCC, PSCD, SZK, BITE.
- Previously: Retail sales slip in February, January revised significantly lower (Mar. 15 2016)