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 dropped more than forecast last month, after a surge earlier this year in car buying. Retail sales fell 0.9% in

The engine of this economy — consumers — slowed in May. Consumer spending is responsible for more than two-thirds of gross domestic product in the U.S.