- Retail sales continue to perk along, led by breakouts in a few key categories.
- Food services and drinking places showed a 1.5% M/M and 8.0% Y/Y sales increase in a very solid showing for the restaurant sector (MCD, DNKN, YUM, WEN, DIN, EAT, CMG).
- Sales at health and personal care stores rose 2.2% M/M and 6.7% Y/Y. Keep an eye on Sally Beauty (NYSE:SBH), Ulta Salon (NASDAQ:ULTA) and e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF).
- Building material and garden equipment sales increased 0.8% M/M and 6.2% Y/Y in what should be a positive sign for Home Depot (NYSE:HD) and Lowe's (NYSE:LOW).
- On the disappointing side, sporting goods sales fell 3.2% M/M and 4.7% Y/Y as a smaller industry-wide store base continues to impact the tally. However, shares of Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE:DKS) are up about 20% YTD as the retail chain picks up scraps from Sports Authority and Sports Chalet. Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ:HIBB) is 15% higher YTD.
- ETFs: XLY, XRT, VCR, RTH, RETL, FDIS, FXD, EMTY, RCD, PMR, CNDF, FTXD, JHMC.
- Previously: Core Retail Sales rises in-line with forecast (July 16)
- Now read: Lowe's: A Beautiful Ugly Twin Offers A Good Opportunity At These Levels
Original article