US Retail Sales Showcase Resilience of Economy’s Growth Engine

  • Value of purchases increased 0.4% in September after 0.1% gain
  • Figures cap another likely quarter of solid economic growth
Shoppers in the Herald Square neighborhood of New York.Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg
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US retail sales strengthened in September by more than forecast in a broad advance, illustrating resilient consumer spending that continues to power the economy.

The value of retail purchases, unadjusted for inflation, increased 0.4% after a 0.1% gain in August, Commerce Department data showed Thursday. Excluding autos and gasoline stations, sales climbed 0.7%.