The U.S. Commerce Department released the retail sales data on Friday. The U.S. retail sales fell 0.1% in December, missing expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.4% gain in November. November's figure was revised up from a 0.2% increase.

The lower increase was mainly driven by a fall in sales at service stations, which dropped 1.1% in December.

Retail sales excluding automobiles decreased 0.1% in December, after a 0.3% rise in November.

Sales at building material and garden equipment stores increased 0.7% in December, while sales at furniture stores climbed 0.9%.

Sales at clothing retailers fell 0.9% in December, while sales at auto dealerships were flat.

These figures could mean that the Fed will delay its further interest rate hikes.