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American Consumers Slam On The Brakes

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that January 2026 consumer spending stalled, with retail sales slipping amid unusually cold weather. Month‑over‑month retail sales fell 1.2%, while personal consumption expenditures dropped 0.8% year‑over‑year. Analysts say the weather‑induced headwind temporarily depressed demand, but expect a rebound once temperatures normalize. Investors are advised to adjust forecasts for the short‑term dip rather than rewrite longer‑term growth expectations.