The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 107.58 points, or 0.19%, to 53,732.41 on the 14th, its first decline in two sessions, after July U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell 0.6% from the previous month. The drop was well below the 0.1% increase expected by economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and added to concerns that consumer demand is cooling, a key issue because personal consumption makes up about 70% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). The Nasdaq Composite also logged its first decline in three sessions, falling 73.87 points, or 0.28%, to 26,729.16. Risk appetite was also curbed by reports that the United States is moving to tighten economic sanctions on Iran, raising concerns about broader Middle East tensions and possible disruption to crude oil supply. Selling was concentrated in cyclical and consumer-related stocks, while some defense and energy shares found support. Investors are now focused on whether softer growth data will shift expectations for the Federal Reserve while inflation pressures remain in place, with upcoming employment reports, inflation readings and further developments around Iran likely to shape near-term market volatility.