US retail sales rise on auto sector strength
US retail sales rose in September at their fastest pace for seven months.
The increase of 1.1 per cent was driven largely by strong vehicle sales, with the sector reporting 3.6 per cent growth in sales of cars and parts.
Sales of building materials and groceries fell, but furniture, electronics and petrol all rose, as did spending in bars and restaurants.
Meanwhile August’s growth was revised upwards to 0.3 per cent from original estimates of no growth.