US Retail Sales decline 0.9% in January vs -0.1% expected

Retail Sales in the US declined more than expected in January.
The US Dollar Index stays in negative territory below 107.00.

Eren Sengezer FXStreet

Retail Sales in the United States (US) declined by 0.9% in January to $723.9 billion, the US Census Bureau announced on Friday. This reading followed the 0.7% increase (revised from 0.4%) reported in December and came in worse than the market expectation for a decrease of 0.1%.

"Total sales for the November 2024 through January 2025 period were up 4.2% from the same period a year ago," the press release noted. "Retail trade sales were down 1.2% from December 2024, and up 4.0% from last year."

Market reaction

The US Dollar (USD) stays on the back foot following the disappointing data. At the time of press, the USD Index was down 0.15% on the day at 106.90.

Author

Eren Sengezer

FXStreet

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

AUD/USD keeps range near 0.6950 after Australian trade data

AUD/USD consolidates near a two-month low, trading around mid-0.6900s in the Asian session on Thursday amid a bullish US Dollar. The US PCE data tempered October Fed hike bets, though oil-driven inflation fears remain supportive of elevated US bond yields. Meanwhile, Australia's trade surplus shrank sharply in August to AUD495M, having limited impact on the Aussie Dollar and the pair.

USD/JPY sits at weekly top above 158.00 as bullish USD counters intervention risks

USD/JPY is sitting at the top end of its weekly range above 158.00 in the Asian session on Thursday. Despite the softer US PCE data, oil-driven inflation risks keep US bond yields elevated near multi-year highs. Moreover, the US-Iran standoff benefits the safe-haven US Dollar and supports the pair. Broad US Dollar strength counters hawkish BoJ expectations and Japanese intervention risks.

Gold sticks to modest gains; remains below $4,200 as bullish USD limits upside

Gold attracts some dip-buyers near the $4,139 region during the Asian session, stalling the previous day's pullback from the $4,220 area, touched in reaction to softer-than-expected US inflation data. However, elevated US bond yields remain supportive of the prevailing strong bullish sentiment surrounding the US Dollar and should keep a lid on any meaningful appreciation for the non-yielding yellow metal.

Hyperliquid pares gains as ETF outflows cap tentative bullish recovery

Hyperliquid (HYPE) is down 2% at press time on Thursday, trimming its 5% gains from the previous day. Institutional demand is easing, with $5 million in outflows on Wednesday, weighing on near-term investors' sentiment. The technical outlook for HYPE indicates a near-term mixed tone as the price remains capped below $90.

The Euro is near a one-year low: Inflation could trigger its rebound, not its fall

EUR/USD has fallen to its lowest level since May 2025, but a fresh inflation shock in the Eurozone could give the Euro an unexpected lifeline. The pair hit 1.1312 on Wednesday and trades well below the January peak of 1.2082. The decline reflects a powerful combination of US Dollar strength, geopolitical uncertainty and renewed concerns about Europe's exposure to higher energy prices.

The Euro is near a one-year low: Inflation could trigger its rebound, not its fall

EUR/USD has fallen to its lowest level since May 2025, but a fresh inflation shock in the Eurozone could give the Euro (EUR) an unexpected lifeline. The pair hit 1.1312 on Wednesday and trades well below the January peak of 1.2082.