Sales at U.S. retailers fell 3% in February due to a lapse in government aid and a bout of unusually bad weather, but business is expected to pick up again soon after Washington sent $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans. Sales had soared a revised 7.6% in January after the government sent out $600 stimulus checks before President Trump left office. Some slowdown was expected in February after the money lapsed, but the Democratic-led Congress just approved additional payments to bring the total to $2,000 for those who meet the income thresholds. The money is being sent out now and much of it is likely to be spent ... (full story)

U.S. retail sales fell more than expected moderately in February amid bitterly cold weather across the country, but a rebound is likely as the government disburses another round of pandemic relief money to mostly lower- and middle-income households. Retail sales dropped by a seasonally adjusted 3.0% last month, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. Data for January was revised up to show sales rebounding 7.6% instead of 5.3% as previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail dropping 0.5% in February. Unseasonably cold weather gripped the country in February, with deadly snow storms lashing ... (full story)