The latest US retail sales figures, released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau, offer a critical and timely insight into the health of the American consumer economy. Published on October 15, 2026, these statistics are closely watched by economists, investors, businesses, and policymakers alike, as consumer spending is a primary driver of economic growth. Understanding these trends is essential for forecasting economic performance, assessing inflationary pressures, and making informed business and investment decisions in the current market environment.
This chart, titled "US Retail Sales Growth: September 2026 Update," visually presents the month-over-month percentage change in US retail and food services sales for the recent period of July, August, and September 2026. It breaks down the data into three key categories: total sales, sales excluding volatile auto purchases, and sales further refined by excluding both autos and gasoline. The primary takeaway is a recent snapshot of consumer spending trends, allowing for a clear comparison of how different segments of retail performed over these three months.
The data window for this analysis spans the third quarter of 2026, specifically covering July, August, and September. The numbers displayed represent the percentage change from the previous month, indicating growth or contraction in consumer spending. It is important to note the distinction between total sales and the adjusted figures that exclude autos and gasoline, as these exclusions often provide a clearer picture of underlying consumer demand by filtering out typically volatile sectors. These statistics are provisional and subject to revision by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Readers can utilize this chart as a time series to observe the sequential progression of retail sales growth across different categories, identifying short-term trends and shifts in consumer purchasing behavior.