Expectations for this month are suggesting that the U.S. Retail Sales will fall by 0.5% in February. The U.S. economy is currently facing both an economic crisis and a financial crisis, triggered by a downturn in the housing market, a lack of credit, and the reluctance of banks to lend. Consumers may have delayed large purchases on account of the deteriorating economy and a lack of credit could adversely affect this report. The sale of new autos accounts for roughly 20% of the report’s total and are largely financed by bank loans. The recent drop in equity markets may also add to a negative outlook for the American consumer which could reduce their spending on non-essential items. A decreasing figure will most likely be interpreted by investors that the American people are scaling back their purchases in a time of financial uncertainty. Such a scenario will probably move the greenback down and the EUR/USD might rise to test the 1.2900 level.