More pay, greater confidence lifts US retail sales 0.6 pct.
WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up their auto buying and online shopping in December, reflecting a boost in confidence after the election and a solid increase in pay.
Retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.6 per cent, following a small 0.2 per cent gain in November, the Commerce Department said Friday .
Most of the strength was in auto sales, which jumped 2.4 per cent in December, the biggest gain since April. Gas station sales rose 2 per cent, largely because of higher prices. Excluding autos and gas, retail sales overall were flat.
Some economists were disappointed by that figure and said it suggested that many consumers remain cautious.