U.S. Retail Sales Climb 1.7% in March 2026, Surpassing Estimates with Core Sales Up 1.9%
U.S. retail sales increased 1.7% month-over-month in March 2026, beating estimates of 1.4%, while core retail sales rose 1.9%. Pending home sales grew 1.5% month-over-month but fell 1.1% year-over-year. Used electric vehicle sales jumped 20% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year.
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U.S. retail sales increased 1.7% month-over-month in March 2026, beating estimates of 1.4%, while core retail sales rose 1.9%. Pending home sales grew 1.5% month-over-month but fell 1.1% year-over-year. Used electric vehicle sales jumped 20% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year.
This marked the biggest gain in retail sales in three years, driven by higher gasoline prices and rising inflation.
Month-over-month pending home sales rose in the Northeast and South, but declined in the Midwest and West.
Year-over-year pending home sales rose in the South, and declined in the Northeast, Midwest and West.
An economist highlights pent-up demand, need for affordable inventory, and stronger Southern market activity.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-21
Pending Home Sales report released in Washington, D.C., showing 1.5% month-over-month increase and 1.1% year-over-year decline for March 2026.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS - 2026-03
U.S. retail sales rose 1.7% month-over-month, core retail sales up 1.9%, both exceeding estimates.
1 source@Investingcom - 2026-03
Pending home sales increased 1.5% month-over-month but declined 1.1% year-over-year, with regional variations.
1 sourceNational Association of REALTORS - 2026-Q1
Used electric vehicle sales increased 20% compared to Q1 2025.
1 sourceLos Angeles Times - 2025-Q1
Baseline period for used EV sales comparison, against which 2026 Q1 showed 20% growth.
1 sourceLos Angeles Times
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased used EV sales might accelerate shift from gas vehicles amid rising fuel costs.
- 02
Higher retail sales may signal sustained consumer spending despite inflation, potentially influencing Federal Reserve rate decisions.
- 03
Regional home sales trends could boost Southern housing activity due to job growth and price cuts.
- 04
Pent-up housing demand could lead to more sales if inventory increases, especially for first-time buyers.
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