Consumer Spending

US retail sales declined by 0.2% in January, marking a slowdown from December's flat performance but outperforming economists' forecasts of a 0.3% drop. Core sales excluding autos remained unchanged. Year-over-year, sales rose by 3.2%.

January 19, 2026 Reported by AI

A professor at one of China's top universities argues that consumers' reluctance to buy luxury goods stems partly from feeling stigmatized. He urges authorities to address this deep-seated 'luxury-phobia' and view luxury pursuits as a sign of social progress. The idea contrasts with the government's austerity drive last year.