US retail sales growth in November beats expectations but reveals deep economic divide
US retail sales rose 0.6 percent in November as high-income spending offset inflation pressures. This K-shaped pattern raises concerns about long-term growth.
Insights:
The U.S. Commerce Department reported on January 14, 2026, that retail sales in the US 
USincreased 0.6 percent in November 2025. This figure exceeded the economist consensus forecast of 0.4 percent growth and followed a downwardly revised 0.1 percent decline in October 2025. While the headline number indicates resilience, analysts such as Michael Pearce michael pearcefrom Bank of America Securities suggest the data masks a widening economic divide.
USincreased 0.6 percent in November 2025. This figure exceeded the economist consensus forecast of 0.4 percent growth and followed a downwardly revised 0.1 percent decline in October 2025. While the headline number indicates resilience, analysts such as Michael Pearce michael pearcefrom Bank of America Securities suggest the data masks a widening economic divide.
