U.S. December Retail Sales Suffer Biggest Drop in Nine Years

The video discusses a significant drop in retail sales, with core control down 1.7% in December, following a 1% rise in November. The decline is widespread across various retail sectors, indicating a broader economic issue. Despite potential revisions, the December numbers are expected to remain negative. The holiday season, typically a strong period for retail, showed mixed results with November up and December down. Proprietary data suggests continued softness into January. Jobless claims remain within normal noise levels, but the retail sales drop is a notable concern for consumer trends.

What was the percentage drop in core control for December?

• 3.3%

• 1%

• 1.7%

• 4.9%

Which months are considered part of the Christmas retail season?

• December and January

• November and December

• October and November

• September and October

What does the proprietary card data suggest about January's retail performance?

• It will be weak

• It will be unpredictable

• It will be strong

• It will be unchanged

How are the current jobless claims described in the context of historical levels?

• Within the normal range of noise

• Unpredictable

• At an all-time high

• At an all-time low

What is the main concern regarding the retail sales numbers for December?

• They indicate a strong consumer market

• They are expected to rise significantly

• They show a significant decline

• They are irrelevant to economic predictions