The U.S. Commerce Department released retail sales. The U.S. retail sales rose 0.2% in June, missing expectations for a 0.6% gain, after a 0.5% increase in May. May's figure was revised up from a 0.3% rise. But despite the weak rise, that was the fifth straight increase since January 2014.
The retail sales in June was driven by weak sales at restaurants and auto dealers. Auto sales declined 0.3%.
Retail sales excluding automobiles in the U.S. increased 0.4% in June, missing expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 0.4% gain in May. May's figure was revised up from a 0.1% increase.