Retail sales and consumer sentiment data to drive markets Friday

As traders approach another pivotal day for financial markets, a series of crucial economic data releases that could sway market dynamics are expected on Friday, August 15, 2025. The spotlight will be on retail sales figures and consumer sentiment data, which will provide valuable insights into consumer spending patterns and overall economic health in the United States.

Major Economic Events to Watch:

• 8:30 AM ET: Core Retail Sales (Aug) - Forecast: 0.3%, Previous: 0.5%. Measures change in retail sales excluding automobiles.

• 8:30 AM ET: Retail Sales (Aug) - Forecast: 0.6%, Previous: 0.6%. Key indicator of consumer spending and overall economic activity.

Other Important Economic Events to Watch:

• 8:30 AM ET: Retail Control (Aug) - Forecast: 0.4%, Previous: 0.5%.

• 8:30 AM ET: Export Price Index (MoM) (Aug) - Forecast: 0.1%, Previous: 0.5%. Tracks price changes of U.S. export goods.

• 8:30 AM ET: Import Price Index (MoM) (Aug) - Forecast: 0.0%, Previous: 0.1%. Measures change in imported goods and services prices.

• 8:30 AM ET: NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (Aug) - Forecast: -1.20, Previous: 5.50. Indicates business conditions in New York state.

• 9:15 AM ET: Industrial Production (MoM) (Jul) - Forecast: 0.0%, Previous: 0.3%. Measures change in industrial sector output.

• 10:00 AM ET: Michigan Consumer Expectations (Aug) - Forecast: 56.5, Previous: 57.7. Part of consumer sentiment index focusing on future expectations.

• 10:00 AM ET: Michigan Consumer Sentiment (Aug) - Forecast: 61.9, Previous: 61.7. Measures consumer confidence in economic conditions.

3rd party Ad. Not an offer or recommendation by Investing.com. See disclosure here or remove ads.

• 10:00 AM ET: Retail Inventories Ex Auto (Jul) - Forecast: 0.0%, Previous: 0.1%.

• 10:00 AM ET: Business Inventories (Jun) - Forecast: 0.2%, Previous: 0.0%. Measures change in value of unsold goods held by businesses.

• 1:00 PM ET: Atlanta Fed GDPNow (Q3) - Forecast: 2.5%, Previous: 2.5%. Running estimate of real GDP growth for the current quarter.

• 1:00 PM ET: Baker Hughes U.S. Rig Count - Previous: 411. Indicator of drilling activity in the oil industry.

• 3:30 PM ET: CFTC Speculative Positions reports for various commodities and indices.

Other Economic Events to Watch:

• 8:30 AM ET: Various retail sales and price index data points

• 9:15 AM ET: Manufacturing Output (Jul) - Forecast: -0.1%, Previous: 0.1%.

• 9:15 AM ET: Capacity Utilization Rate (Jul) - Forecast: 77.6%, Previous: 77.6%.

• 10:00 AM ET: Michigan 1-Year and 5-Year Inflation Expectations

• 4:00 PM ET: TIC Net Long-Term Transactions (Jun) - Previous: 259.4B.

For further information and the latest updates, please refer to our Economic Calendar, here.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Which stock should you buy in your very next trade?

With valuations skyrocketing in 2024, many investors are uneasy putting more money into stocks. Unsure where to invest next? Get access to our proven portfolios and discover high-potential opportunities. In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies.

Unlock ProPicks AI