Retail sales jump as people rush to buy cars ahead of tariffs

Retail spending — one of the key drivers in the economy — saw its biggest jump in more than two years during March, as more people rushed to buy cars and other big-ticket items ahead of President Trump's new tariffs.

Spending at stores, restaurants and car dealerships grew 1.4% in March compared to February, according to Wednesday's data from the Commerce Department. That's the biggest increase since January 2023 — and the driver was mainly autos.