U.S. retail sales dropped by the most in nearly two years in January, likely weighed down by frigid temperatures, wildfires and motor vehicle shortages, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth early in the first quarter.
But the larger-than-expected and across the board decline in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department on Friday probably does not reflect a material shift in consumer spending as it also followed four straight months of hefty increases.
A sharp upward revision to December’s sales took some of the sting from the report. Economists also noted that it was difficult to strip out large seasonal swings from the data at the turn of the year, which was also evident in the January consumer inflation report.
I went ahead and replaced my furnace that I’d been putting off doing for as long as possible, knowing it needed replaced soon before it failed, but trying to get another winter out it. Went ahead and pulled the trigger in January before tariffs.
Could’ve probably limped my furnace and water heater on a few more years.
However thought “Dunno how long that’s gonna take and if they shit the bed during I’m proper fucked.” and replaced them.