Retail Sales in U.S. Increase by Most in Four Months

An August pickup in retail sales and revised figures showing demand in prior months was stronger than first reported signal consumers have reclaimed their position among the main sources of U.S. growth.

The 0.6 percent increase in purchases was the biggest in four months and followed a 0.3 percent rise in July, according to Commerce Department figures issued today in Washington. The advance last month was broad-based with 11 of 13 categories improving. Another report today showed the strengthening will probably be sustained as household confidence climbs.