US retail sales rise for fifth month in June, up 0.2%, signaling steady consumer spending.

US retail sales increased for the fifth consecutive month in June, rising 0.2% to $768.6 billion, though this was slower than May's 1.0% gain. Core retail sales, excluding autos, fell 0.2% for the first time in over a year, while control purchases, which exclude volatile sectors, rose 0.5%, marking the sixth straight monthly increase. The steady growth in retail sales suggests ongoing consumer spending strength despite some sector-specific weakness. This trend supports a positive outlook for the economy and retail-focused investments going forward.