Midday market 02/15: Mixed reaction to unexpectedly recovering retail data

After 2 consecutive months of decline during year-end shopping season, U.S. retail sales unexpectedly up +3.0% in the first month of the year, strongest since 03/2021, pulling full-year sales growth to +6.4%.

All 13 retail product categories increased in January, first time since COVID, led by vehicles, furniture, and restaurants.