KBRA Releases Research – Coronavirus (COVID-19): January Retail Sales Bounce on Renewed Stimulus and Receding Infections

NEW YORK--()--Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) releases commentary on trends in January 2021 retail sales.

U.S. retail sales increased a strong 5.3% in January, breaking a three-month trend of month-over-month (MoM) declines. Even more encouraging, same month year-over-year (YoY) performance was also robust, up 7.4%, bolstered once again by non-store retail. The January turnaround follows implementation of renewed federal stimulus measures at the end of December and a significant decline in new coronavirus infections since the first week of January. This shift has accommodated easing of public health measures in many areas and a return to work for an increasing number of people. These developments stand in marked contrast to the experience of the three prior months which had been characterized by the wind-down of prior stimulus measures and a sustained period of rapidly rising infections that required stricter social distancing measures in many areas. In this report, Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) examines the data underlying the latest retail sales figures and the favorable implications of the pronounced decline in new coronavirus infections since the start of the year.

Click here to view the report.

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KBRA is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider and is a certified Credit Rating Agency (CRA) with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe is registered with ESMA as a CRA. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe is located at 6-8 College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Contacts

Analytical

Peter Scherer, Associate Director
+1 (646) 731-2325
peter.scherer@kbra.com

Karen Daly, Senior Managing Director
+1 (646) 731-2347
karen.daly@kbra.com

Business Development

Bill Baneky, Managing Director
+1 (646) 731-2409
william.baneky@kbra.com

James Kissane, Senior Director
+1 (213) 803-0026
james.kissane@kbra.com

Contacts

Analytical

Peter Scherer, Associate Director
+1 (646) 731-2325
peter.scherer@kbra.com

Karen Daly, Senior Managing Director
+1 (646) 731-2347
karen.daly@kbra.com

Business Development

Bill Baneky, Managing Director
+1 (646) 731-2409
william.baneky@kbra.com

James Kissane, Senior Director
+1 (213) 803-0026
james.kissane@kbra.com