Retail sales jumped 0.8% MoM vs 0.3% expected, but the control group that feeds GDP rose just 0.1%. Gas stations led the 13 categories at +6.4%, with pump prices above $4 for three months squeezing di

What happened: US retail sales rose 0.8% month over month in the latest print, above the 0.3% expected, with gasoline station purchases up 6.4%. Control-group sales rose just 0.1%. Key numbers: Retail sales +0.8% MoM vs +0.3% expected, +6.3% YoY. Gas station purchases +6.4%. Control group +0.1%. Why it matters: BofA and UBS analysts say higher fuel costs are crowding out other purchases, with card data showing softening across home improvement, department stores, clothing, furniture, restaurants, groceries and online. Consumer sentiment sits at a record low.

Record retail sales contrast record-low sentiment, signaling macro divergence.

Record retail sales contrast record-low sentiment, signaling macro divergence. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.