Economic indicators

U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in December, posting the worst drop in nine years in a sign of slower economic momentum at year-end amid financial market turmoil and the government shutdown.

Labor market “activity declined modestly and momentum remained high in January,” as the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Labor Market Conditions Indicators (LMCI) slid to 0.97 from 1.06 in December, the Bank said Wednesday.

A key measure of U.S. inflation was little changed in January while the broader gauge slowed on lower energy costs, underscoring the Federal Reserve's recent decision to be patient on raising interest rates.

U.S. job openings rebounded, reaching a record in December as the rate of those leaving jobs held steady, underscoring robust demand for workers.

Sentiment among U.S. small businesses slumped in January to the lowest level since Donald Trump became president, as the economic outlook weakened amid the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown.

Consumers’ inflation expectations held, while respondents showed more pessimism about the economy.

Consumer credit increased by $16.6 billion in December to $4.010 trillion, the Federal Reserve reported Thursday.

Initial claims for U.S. state unemployment benefits fell by 19,000 to 234,000 in the February 2 week, above expectations for a 221,000 level.

The U.S. international trade gap narrowed to $49.3 billion in November from $55.7 billion in October, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

Data for fourth quarter nonfarm productivity and unit labor costs are unavailable due to the delay of GDP data from the Commerce Department.