Washington — US retail sales fell for a third consecutive month in February as households cut back on purchases of motor vehicles and other big-ticket items, pointing to a slowdown in economic growth in the first quarter. Other data on Wednesday showed underlying producer prices increasing solidly in February amid strong gains in the cost of services such as hotel accommodation, airline fares and hospital inpatient care. Inflation is steadily rising and the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates next week. The Commerce Department said retail sales slipped 0.1% in February. January data was revised to show sales dipping 0.1% instead of falling 0.3% as previously reported. It was the first time since April 2012 that retail sales have declined for three consecutive months. Economists had forecast retail sales rising 0.3% in February. Retail sales in February increased 4% from a year ago. Excluding cars, fuel, building materials and food services, retail sales edged up 0.1%...
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