01:05 PM EDT, 08/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- The RealClearMarkets' sentiment index, the first consumer measure in August, rose to 44.5 from 44.2 in July. Any reading below 50 indicates more pessimism than optimism.

Redbook reported that US same-store retail sales were up 5.1% year over year in the week ended Aug. 3, faster than a 4.5% gain in the prior week due to back-to-school promotions and tax holidays, as well as preparation for the severe weather in Florida.

The international trade deficit narrowed to $73.11 billion in June from $75.01 billion in May as exports rose more than imports.

The export gain was led by industrial supplies, capital goods and vehicles and parts, while import gains for capital goods and consumer goods were offset by declines for industrial supplies and vehicles and parts.

The Q3 GDPnow estimate from the Atlanta Federal Reserve is for a 2.9% increase, revised up from a 2.5% gain reported on Aug. 1. The next update is scheduled for Thursday.