Home Depot sales rise in sign of US consumer resilience
Robust demand comes despite lingering high interest rates
Robust demand comes despite lingering high interest rates

Home improvement retailer blames sales slowdown on sluggish housing market and less destructive hurricane season

Home improvement giant spends billions to attract new business from professionals beyond traditional customer base

Weak creditor protection in deals gives advantage to those with the resources to examine documentation

Repricing activity hits record high of $153bn in July in latest sign of investor optimism

Sentiment buoyed by more upbeat view of country’s growth prospects, especially among the young

The statistical blind spot could affect everything from interest rate cuts to investment decisions