ETFs Benefit from Circular Economy Shift; Retail Sales Hit $757.1B

Retail sales reached a record $757.1 billion in April 2026. American consumers are adjusting to a higher-cost environment, resulting in a savings rate decline from 5.1% to 3.6%. Average hourly earnings rose to $37.41, a year-over-year increase from $36.12, although inflation is eroding real purchasing power. Six ETFs including SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) and ProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN) are positioned to capitalize on the shift towards resale and off-price retail strategies, reflecting changing consumer behaviors amid rising costs.