US Retail Sales Increase Below Forecast Following January Decline

Retail sales in February rose by just 0.2%, as reported by the Commerce Department. This uptick comes after a notable 1.2% decline in January, reflecting a restrained consumer spending atmosphere. The modest increase could suggest apprehensions about a possible economic downturn and impending recession in the United States. With market instability and uncertainties on the rise, consumer caution is escalating.