US retail sales rose by 0.1% in May, missing expectations due to lower gasoline prices affecting service station receipts. This follows a revised 0.2% drop in April. Economists had forecast a 0.3% increase. The trend shows slowing sales growth as households focus on essentials amid higher prices and interest rates. Banks are tightening credit access, and while the labor market is still strong, job seekers are finding it harder to secure new positions quickly, and wage growth is slowing.