US retail sales were basically unchanged in December (vs 0.4% MoM expected), slowing from a 0.6% MoM increase in November (unrevised).

• Retail sales (ex autos) were unchanged month-over-month (vs 0.3% MoM expected), and sales (ex autos and gas) saw no growth as well.
• Most segments saw small gains or declines, including the largest segments: motor vehicle (-0.2% MoM) and nonstore retailers (+0.1% MoM).
• The largest gain came from the building materials segment, up 1.2% MoM for the second straight month.
• Many of the smaller segments saw significant declines: clothing (-0.7% MoM), miscellaneous stores (-0.9% MoM), furniture (-0.9% MoM), and electronics (-0.4% MoM).