2026.04.0112:30:00UTC+00U.S. Core Retail Sales Edge Higher in February, Signaling Steady Consumer Demand

Retail sales excluding gasoline and autos in the United States picked up modestly in February 2026, pointing to steady underlying consumer demand. The core measure rose 0.4% month-over-month, up from a 0.3% increase in January 2026, according to data updated on 1 April 2026.

The month-over-month comparison shows that February’s gain built slightly on January’s performance, with consumers continuing to increase spending once volatile categories like fuel and vehicles are stripped out. The February reading reflects the change in sales versus January, while the prior 0.3% figure captured January’s change relative to December.

The incremental acceleration in February suggests that consumer activity, a key driver of U.S. economic growth, remained resilient at the start of 2026. Market participants will be watching upcoming releases closely to see whether this firmer trend in core retail spending is sustained in the months ahead.