US Retail Sales and Core Retail Sales Data Scheduled for April 21

US Retail Sales Overview (March 2026)

Key Forecasts:

• Retail Sales (MoM): Forecast 1.4% (Previous 0.6%)
• Core Retail Sales (MoM): Forecast 1.3% (Previous 0.5%)

Background: Retail Sales measure the total value of sales at the retail level and serve as a primary indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity in the United States. Core Retail Sales exclude automobile sales to provide a more stable view of underlying consumer demand trends.

What to Watch For: The market is anticipating a robust rebound in consumer activity for March. If the actual figures meet or exceed the forecasts of 1.4% and 1.3%, it would indicate a strong economy that could sustain inflationary pressures. For financial markets, especially crypto and forex, a higher-than-expected result typically strengthens the US Dollar and may lead to expectations of higher interest rates for longer, potentially creating downward pressure on risk assets. Conversely, a lower-than-expected result may signal a cooling economy.