THE FORECAST: Some auto industry analysts and dealers are reporting that U.S. sales slowed a bit during the first half of July, and there are predictions that weak economic news may finally be hitting one of the economy’s bright spots.

THE NUMBERS: For the first half of the year, sales of cars and trucks ran at an annual rate of 14.3 million, the best pace in 5 years. In May, sales slipped to a 13.8 million annual rate as the stock market plunged. Buyers returned in June to drive sales back up to a 14.1 million rate. Now the LMC Automotive consulting firm in Troy, Mich., is predicting that July sales likely will come in at an annual rate below 13.8 million.

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