Stocks Fall on Retail Sales Data as AI Concerns and Middle East Tensions Weigh

Advance estimates from the US Census Bureau showed retail and food services sales rose 0.2 percent in June 2026 to $768.6 billion, matching forecasts but slowing from a revised 1.0 percent increase in May. The April-to-June period advanced 6.4 percent from a year earlier. Control group sales excluding autos, gasoline and building materials rose modestly, with gains in motor vehicle dealers, nonstore retailers and sporting goods outlets offset by softer categories elsewhere. Advance estimates fro