The bureau had previously reported that monthly retail sales rose 0.1% in April. Compared with a year ago, however, sales still rose 3.3% in May. Last month’s 0.9% decline was d

Consumer spending likely dropped last month, economists forecast, weighed down by a pullback in car purchases. Retail sales are seen dropping 0.6% from April, economists polled by The Wall Street Journal project.

US retail sales fell by the most since the start of the year in May, suggesting new tariffs deterred consumers from spending, especially on cars.