Consumers sharply curtailed their spending in January, indicating a potential weakening in economic growth ahead, according to a Commerce Department report Friday. Retail sales slipped 0.9% for the month from an upwardly revised 0.

U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in January, likely as frigid temperatures kept consumers from automobile showrooms.

M/M vs.-0.2% consensus and +0.7% prior (revised from +0.4%), according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Friday.