[Preview: U.S. July Retail Sales Data to Be Released Tonight, Stronger-than-Expected Results May Suppress Rate Cut Expectations] BlockBeats News, August 14 — Following the release of U.S. CPI and PPI data earlier this week, market sentiment has yet to fully digest the implications. Tonight at 20:30 (UTC+8), the U.S. July retail sales data, often referred to as the 'scary data,' will be unveiled. Current market expectations suggest that the retail sales month-on-month growth rate will only increase by 0.1%, while core retail sales (excluding volatile items such as automobiles) are also expected to remain moderate. This data will directly reflect U.S. consumer willingness and purchasing power, serving as a critical indicator for assessing whether the economy is heading for a soft landing or a sharp downturn. At a sensitive juncture where internal disagreements within the Federal Reserve are intensifying and international gold prices have retreated from the $4,400/ounce level, significantly stronger-than-expected data could reinforce the narrative of 'economic resilience,' driving up the U.S. dollar and suppressing rate cut expectations. Conversely, if the data falls far below expectations, it may heighten recession concerns, further boosting precious metals and safe-haven sentiment.