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Your daily horoscope: May 9, 2025

  IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY A change of direction is a must this year as you have reached the end of your current journey and need a new challenge. Make a break with the past and make it one that cannot be reversed. Move forward fast and don’t look back. ARIES (March 21 - April 20): Someone you meet on your travels will catch your eye and maybe your heart as well. If it’s true that opposites attract you could find yourself getting close to someone whose charms are very different to your own – and remarkably the relationship will work. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): Someone you think of as a friend will say something today that annoys you intensely. It may be the case though that they can see things that you cannot, so be open to what they tell you. They could be doing you a very big favor. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): If you listen too much to other people’s advice today you could end up facing in several directions at once and ultimately getting nowhere. Pay attention to what friends a...
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Retail Sales Flat in April, Missing Expectations

American shoppers are showing signs of spending fatigue, with retail sales data for April coming in sharply below expectations. According to the Commerce Department, U.S. retail sales were unchanged from March, missing the anticipated 0.4% increase that economists surveyed by the Journal had expected. This slowdown follows a 0.6% month-over-month increase seen in March, highlighting concerns about the state of the consumer amid sticky inflation and higher interest rates.

Key Points:

  • Flat Retail Sales: In April, retail sales remained stagnant, failing to meet the projected growth.
  • Excluding Auto and Gas: Sales declined by 0.1%, falling short of the expected 0.1% increase.
  • Sector Performance:
    • Nonstore retailers led the declines, dropping 1.2% from the previous month.
    • Sporting goods and hobby stores also declined by 0.9%.
    • Clothing and accessories stores saw a 1.6% rise in sales.
    • Gasoline sales picked up by 3.1%.
  • Economic Context: Economists are closely monitoring consumer spending amid the Federal Reserve’s pivot to keep interest rates high for longer than expected.

This situation underscores the delicate balance between consumer demand, inflation, and monetary policy. As we await further context, it’s clear that retail sales are a critical indicator to watch in the current economic landscape.


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