Retail ETFs in Spotlight as US Releases Holiday Season Report Card

XRT and other retail ETFs come into focus after flat December sales and weak real spending cast a shadow over the 2025 holiday season.

Zacks Investment Research • Feb 18, 2026

Weekly Economic Snapshot: Labor Strength Meets Cooling Inflation

The U.S. economy began 2026 with a display of unexpected resilience in the labor market, even as long-term data revisions painted a more modest picture of 2025 growth. While consumer spending showed signs of exhaustion during the holiday season, inflation continued its downward trajectory, reaching levels not seen in several years.

ETF Trends • Feb 17, 2026

Retail Sales Flat in December, Lower Than Expected

The Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed consumer spending was unexpectedly flat in December. Headline sales were unchanged, down from November's 0.6% reading and below the projected 0.4% growth.

ETF Trends • Feb 10, 2026

Weekly Economic Snapshot: Consumer Prices Ease as Margin Debt Hits Historic Highs

As the second half of January begins, the U.S. economy presents a picture of cooling inflation and resilient consumer activity. While consumer price growth hit a six-month low in December and retail sales rebounded to start the holiday season, investor sentiment has reached a fever pitch.

ETF Trends • Jan 20, 2026

Retail Sales Up 0.6% in November, Higher Than Expected

November's Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed a pickup in consumer spending. Headline sales were up 0.6%, up from -0.1% pullback in October and above the projected 0.5% growth.

ETF Trends • Jan 14, 2026

Online Holiday Spending Hit Records. AI Helped.

Use of generative AI chat services for holiday shopping rose nearly 700% from a year earlier.

Barrons • Jan 7, 2026

ETFs to Gain as an Estimated 159M Shoppers Flocked to "Super Saturday"

Retail-focused ETFs could benefit as a record 158.9 million shoppers hit stores and online on Super Saturday, boosting late-season sales momentum.

Zacks Investment Research • Dec 23, 2025

Retail Sales Flat in October, Lower Than Expected

October's Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau revealed a slowdown in consumer spending. Headline sales were flat, missing the projected 0.1% monthly growth.

ETF Trends • Dec 16, 2025

Strong Start to Holiday Season Amid Strains Spotlight These Retail ETFs

Record holiday spending masks consumer strain, but strong retail earnings lift interest in ETFs XRT, RTH, IBUY and ONLN.

Zacks Investment Research • Dec 4, 2025

Go on a Shopping Spree With 3 Top Retail ETFs

Heading into the holiday season, it's not clear how broad economic and consumer concerns will impact spending. However, if Black Friday 2025 is any indication, online retailers are likely to do well.

MarketBeat • Dec 1, 2025