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.

In addition to cold weather, the sales decline could in part point to fading consumer confidence as was reflected in a pair of recent surveys by the Conference Board and Universit

The average temperature in January was the lowest since 1988. U.S. retail sales dropped sharply. U.S. retail sales dropped sharply last month, in part because cold weather kept more Americans indoors,

U.S. retail sales dropped by the most in nearly two years in January, likely because of frigid temperatures and moderation following hefty gains in the past four months, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth early in the first quarter.

US retail sales plunged by the most in almost two years in January -- a bigger drop than forecast and one that follows an unexpected uptick in inflation that President

The US economy faced a dual setback in January, with both retail sales and manufacturing output recording declines. Retail sales posted their largest drop in nearly two years, while manufacturing production unexpectedly contracted,