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U.S. retail sales slow sharply in September with core decline Is this signaling tariff-induced inflation or a U.S. recession risk?

U.S. retail sales rose just 0.2% in September, missing the 0.4% forecast as consumers cut discretionary spending. Core retail sales, a key GDP input, fell 0.1% after a 0.6% August gain. Clothing dropped 0.7%, electronics 0.5%, and online sales 0.7%, while gas station receipts jumped 2% on higher fuel prices. Producer inflation rose 0.3% as energy surged 3.5%. The data signals softer demand, tariff-driven price pressure, and rising recession concerns.