(Associated Press) – American consumers pulled back their spending to start 2026, extending the malaise in retail sales that began late last year. Retail sales fell 0.2% in January, following a flat reading in December, according to the Commerce Department’s report issued on Friday. January’s figure came in below the forecasts of economists, who were expecting another flat reading. The January figure was weighed down by lower sales at motor vehicle and auto parts dealerships. Gas stations also saw a drop in business, reflecting a decline in gas prices in January, though the intensifying war in the Middle East is driving up prices in recent days. The national average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline was $3.32 as of Friday; a week ago, it was $2.98, AAA said. ...read more read less