Retail sales increased 0.7% in July, better than expected as consumer spending is holding up

The advanced retail sales report showed a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.7% for the month, better than the 0.4% Dow Jones estimate. Excluding autos, sales rose a robust 1%, also against a 0.4% forecast. Both readings were the best monthly gains since January.

It seems as long as consumer spending remains strong the risk of recession is low despite the rapid Fed rate hikes.