Retail Sales Probably Decreased in May: U.S. Economy Preview

Sales at retailers probably fell in May as Americans bought fewer cars and elevated gasoline costs restrained consumers, reports may show this week.

The 0.5 percent drop in purchases, the first decline in 11 months, would follow a 0.5 percent gain in April, according to the median forecast of 62 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News ahead of Commerce Department data June 14. Other reports may show inflation eased and manufacturing expanded.