WASHINGTON (AFP) - US retail sales fell more than expected in June for a second straight month, the government said Wednesday, underscoring concerns of slower growth in the worlds largest economy. Sales declined 0.5 percent from May to 360.2 billion dollars, pulled down by a sharp declines in autos, gasoline and building materials, according to the Commerce Department. Most economists had expected June sales to decline by 0.2 percent from a larger, revised 1.1 percent fall the previous month. Consumer spending is a key engine of growth for the worlds largest economy recovering from a brutal recession. Sales tumbled at vehicle dealerships and gasoline stations as well as stores selling sporting goods, furniture and building supplies. In contrast, electronics and appliance and department stores reported strong sales growth, data showed. Excluding auto and gas sales, retail sales rose 0.1 percent in June. A series of recent economic and financial data indicated that the US economy, which had been recovering since the middle of last year from recession, is slowing down amid high unemployment and the end of various stimulus programs. With the jobless rate at 9.5 percent and employment growth lackluster, analysts do not believe consumer spending will fuel growth. Consumers remain financially constrained. Unemployment is high and wage gains are small, said Scott Hoyt, senior director of consumer economics for Moodys Economy.com. With confidence impacted, consumers will not lead the recovery, he said.