U.S. retail sales declined in March, the second drop in three months.
Friday's report from the Commerce Department says sales were off four-tenths of a percent.
Economists watch retail sales closely because consumer demand drives most U.S. economic activity.
Sales may be off because a tax increase reduced consumers disposable income.
A separate report says wholesale prices dropped six-tenths of a percent in March as fuel prices eased.
Friday's report from the Commerce Department says sales were off four-tenths of a percent.
Economists watch retail sales closely because consumer demand drives most U.S. economic activity.
Sales may be off because a tax increase reduced consumers disposable income.
A separate report says wholesale prices dropped six-tenths of a percent in March as fuel prices eased.