Recent reports indicate that US retail sales rose modestly by 0.2% in September, falling short of expectations, which has sparked concerns about consumer confidence and economic health. This slowdown in retail growth comes as consumers are reportedly pulling back on spending amid rising costs and job market worries. Despite a slight increase, the overall sentiment surrounding consumer spending remains grim, highlighting potential challenges for the upcoming holiday season. Economists warn that these trends could influence Federal Reserve decisions regarding interest rates, further complicating the economic landscape.