In February 2025, retail sales showed only a 0.2 percent increase. This figure falls short of the Dow Jones consensus estimate of a 0.6 percent rise. Analysts had anticipated stronger consumer spending, but the numbers reflected weak performance. The report also indicated that when excluding auto sales, retail figures rose 0.3 percent, aligning with expectations. This mixed data raises questions about consumer confidence in the economy amid fluctuating economic pressures. Investors and analysts will watch closely as these trends could influence market decisions moving forward.