From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-16 08:39:00

U.S. retail sales surged 1.4% in March, with motor vehicle purchases leading the way ahead of tariffs, but concerns about the economy dampening discretionary spending.

President Trump’s 25% car and truck tariffs took effect in April, prompting a rush by buyers to avoid higher prices.

Consumers are also stockpiling other imported goods, with high-income households driving spending while lower-income consumers struggle.

Consumer sentiment is low, with inflation fears and potential layoffs contributing to economic uncertainty.

March saw a decrease in discretionary services spending but an increase in inflation-driven necessities.

Core retail sales, excluding certain categories, rose 0.4% in March after a 1.3% increase in February, indicating strong consumer spending.

Despite recent strong retail sales, economists anticipate slower consumer spending due to sluggish service outlays in the first quarter.

Consumer spending, a key driver of the economy, grew at a 4.0% annualized rate in the last quarter of 2018.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: US retail sales surge in March due to motor vehicle buying ahead of tariffs