Weak US retail sales, manufacturing output point to softening economy
www.reuters.com

... U.S. retail sales dropped more than expected in May, weighed down by a decline in motor vehicle purchases as a rush to beat potential tariff-related price hikes ebbed, but consumer spending remains supported by solid wage growth for now.

The largest decline in sales in four months reported by the Commerce Department on Tuesday added to moderate job growth last month in suggesting that domestic demand was softening. That was reinforced by other data showing production at factories, outside motor vehicle assembly, decreased in May.

President Donald Trump's aggressive and often shifting tariff position has heightened economic uncertainty, making it difficult for businesses to plan ahead. ...