Retail Sales: Consumer Spending Rises for Third Straight Month

Published on May 14, 2026

According to the Census Bureau’s Advance Retail Sales Report, consumer spending climbed for the third consecutive month in April. While headline sales rose 0.5% (as expected), this marked a deceleration from March’s 1.6% surge, with much of the gain driven by higher prices at the pump.

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Initial Unemployment Claims Up 12K, Higher Than Expected

May 14, 2026
In the week ending May 9th, initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 211,000. This represents an increase of 12,000 from the previous week's figure and was higher than the forecast of 205,000.

The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors: Ex-Edward Jones Advisor on Building Beyond $1B

May 14, 2026
Ricky Smith of Inspired Wealth Planning talks about leaving Edward Jones after 30 years, evaluating 12 firms and building an independent business that grew to $1.25B in assets under care in less than three years.