The numbers: Amazon, Target and other retailers posted a small 0.3% increase in sales in November at the start of the holiday season, but if high inflation is taken into account, receipts fell in a weak showing for the economy.
Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had forecast a 0.8% increase.
The increase in sales was outstripped by a rising cost of living. The consumer price index jumped 0.8% in November to push the yearly rate of inflation to a 39-year high of 6.8%. Adjusted for inflation retail sales appeared to have declined.
Big picture: Americans have lots to spend because of stimulus money, rising wages and high savings amassed during the pandemic. But surging inflation might make them rethink what they buy.
The big danger is if high inflation persists and price increases become embedded in the economy. That could force the Federal Reserve to jack up interest rates, further raise business costs and discourage consumers from buying as many goods and services.
The Fed still believes inflation will cool off in 2022, but the central bank is worried enough to phase out stimulus for the economy a lot faster than it had planned.
Market reaction: The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 were set to open slightly lower in Wednesday trades.
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