Retail sales flat in December, lower than expected

Retail sales in the United States were flat in December, coming in lower than expected, according to recent data. The lackluster performance was reported by the US Census Bureau, which tracks monthly retail sales. December's flat sales followed a 0.1% increase in November, and fell short of economists' forecasts of a 0.1% gain. Total retail sales for December were $528.7 billion, unchanged from the previous month. The disappointing sales figures may be attributed to a combination of factors, including a shorter holiday shopping season and increased online competition. The National Retail Federation had predicted a 3.6% to 4% increase in holiday sales, but actual sales growth may have fallen short of this target. The flat sales report may have implications for the broader economy, as consumer spending accounts for a significant portion of US economic activity.