The reports fuelled concerns that US consumers, hit by the housing market slump, rising petrol prices and an escalating credit crisis were shying away from the shops.

• 这份报告令投资者担心，受住宅市场下滑、汽油价格不断上涨，以及信贷危机不断升级的影响，美国消费者的购物兴趣正在减弱。