Market Highlight 17.08.2026

U.S retail sales declined in July, marking another disappointing report following a series of weaker labor market and inflation data that have prompted economists to reassess the current strength of the world’s largest economy. The U.S Department of Commerce said on Friday that retail sales fell by 0,6% last month, compared with economists’ expectations for a 0,1% increase. The figures came one week after the monthly labor market report showed that the economy lost 23.000 jobs in July. Earlier this week, relatively moderate inflation data also eased concerns about the U.S economy overheating. The decline in July retail sales was not limited to gasoline stations. Sales in a key category of essential goods closely monitored by economists also fell by 0,4%, marking the first decline this year. Online sales dropped by 2,2%, further weighing on overall retail sales.

Another report released on Friday from the University of Michigan’s monthly survey showed that U.S consumer sentiment is being negatively affected by persistently rising prices and the war in Iran. Any sign that consumers - the heart of the U.S economy -  are becoming more cautious could influence the Federal Reserve’s decision as it considers whether elevated inflation is sufficient reason to raise interest rates in the coming months. If consumer demand continues to slow, it could help cool price pressures naturally without requiring further FED intervention.

Interbank USD/VND rebounded by around VND 80 on Friday and closed the day at 26.150. Buying demand from corporates at lower exchange-rate levels was a key factor supporting the rebound.

Please contact the nearest Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank's branch to receive information and consultancy if you are in need of making any foreign exchange and derivatives transactions.

Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank assumes no responsibility or liability for any purpose of reference or using the information provided by this newsletter.

Directly contact us to receive market news and consultancy on foreign exchange products and derivatives:

- Financial Markets Division – Email: ktttc@acb.com.vn ; or

- Mr. Khanh Hoang (Financial Markets Senior Analyst) – Email: hoangnk@acb.com.vn