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Investing.com -- BofA said on Tuesday that the e-commerce growth trend remained strong in July, with aggregated credit and debit card data showing total online spending rose 7% year over year, unchanged from June.
In a research note, the bank told investors that brick-and-mortar sales fell 1% in the same period, driving online penetration up 150 basis points to 28.3%.
BofA noted the increase was “likely aided by an extended Prime Day promotion window and competitor sales.”
“YTD data suggests Online penetration has accelerated since tariff announcements, but we have noted a gradual improvement in monthly penetration gains since 2023, suggesting any reopening impact continues to fade,” stated BofA.
For Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), BofA said early industry data was “constructive” for North America.
Street estimates call for 9% year-over-year retail growth in the third quarter, down from 11% in the second quarter.
BofA’s early data showed “stable growth relative to June and a slight improvement over full Q2 that grew 6% y/y,” with July likely boosted by Prime Day.
The firm said Amazon is “relatively well positioned with forward deployment of inventory” despite tariff uncertainty and maintained a Buy rating.
In delivery, BofA reported online restaurant spending rose 9% in July, up from 8% growth in the second quarter, potentially supporting DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH) trends.
Online grocery spending grew 7% year over year, in line with the second quarter.
Meanwhile, the bank said sporting goods, department stores, and health and personal care categories saw the biggest July acceleration, while transit, restaurant delivery, and grocery slowed slightly.
BofA expects the e-commerce sector to continue benefiting from structural tailwinds.