Retail sales in the United States stabilized in July, thereby indicating positive economic health. Sales rose by 1% for the month, thereby reversing a 0.2% drop in June and significantly outpacing the 0.3% rise that economists expected.
The largest increase since January, retail sales were largely driven by motor vehicle sales and spare parts, which rose by 3.6%. Electronics and appliance store sales were up by 1.6%. Healthcare and personal care stores saw an uptick in sales of 0.8% monthly and 3.4% year-over-year. Food and beverage sales were up 0.9% month-over-month and 2.9% on an annual basis.
Best Buy emerged as one of the standout stocks for the month, given its broad selection of consumer electronics, food, entertainment software, and home office products. Kimberly-Clark was a standout healthcare product provider, with its products being distributed to drugstores, grocery stores, wholesalers, and healthcare establishments. Shifting focus to foods and beverages, Pilgrim’s Pride was a standout performer with its range of prepared foods.