US retail sales fall by most in 2 years as Trump tariffs distort spending
Weakness also attributed to temporary ‘drags’ including wet weather in country’s east
Weakness also attributed to temporary ‘drags’ including wet weather in country’s east

Figures are the latest to show the distortion to trade caused by the US president’s ‘liberation day’ trade levies

Figure comes despite Trump tariffs and keeps Fed on track for rate cut

Retail sales and factory output growth hit lowest rate in 9 months amid mounting domestic weakness

Initial release of data had been postponed because of federal government shutdown

Trump’s tariff war brings with it unpredictability and a consequent loss of confidence

No economy rises or falls for just one reason, even a shock as big as Trump’s trade policy