Retail Sales in U.S. Probably Dropped in June for Second Month

Sales at U.S. retailers fell in June for a second month, indicating the expansion will moderate in the second half of 2010, economists said before a report today.

Purchases decreased 0.3 percent following a 1.2 percent drop in May, according to the median estimate of 75 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Other reports may show the cost of imported goods declined and inventories climbed.