US Retail Sales Decline 0.2% in January Amid Weather and Inflation Concerns

US retail sales fell by 0.2% in January to $733.5 billion, marking a decline from December's flat growth and missing some analysts' expectations. Year-on-year sales rose 3.2%. Declines were seen in sectors like health and personal care, fuel, clothing, and autos. Economists attributed the drop partly to severe winter weather, with online sales rising 1.9%. However, rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions may increase inflation risks going forward.