Retail Sales Data and Fed Minutes Due Amid High Inflation

U.S. economic news this week will focus on retail sales, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting and a new measure of consumer sentiment, amid persistently high inflation. Economists expect retail sales growth to slow, while higher fuel costs are pushing up gas-station spending and squeezing purchases elsewhere ahead of the holiday season. The article attributes continued price pressure to disrupted oil supplies and U.S. tariffs. The Fed minutes may offer insight into policymakers’ approach to inflation after the central bank held rates steady in October, following a rate hike in September.