Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than expected in April, lifted by a surprise gain in motor vehicle purchases, government data showed on Friday.
The Commerce Department said total retail sales rose 0.4 percent following an upwardly revised 2.1 percent surge in March. Sales in March were previously reported to have increased 1.9 percent. Retail sales have now increased for seven straight months.
Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales rising 0.2 percent last month. Compared to April last year, sales were 8.8 percent higher.
Motor vehicle and parts purchases unexpectedly rose 0.5 percent after increasing
6.7 percent in March. Analysts had expected auto sales to fall in April, after
automakers reported a decline in unit sales.
Month over Month
Year over Year
Source: Census
Looks like only the neccesities are gaining here.
ReplyDeletebuilding material?
ReplyDeletethe bearish view is that was due to the tax credit and jump in home sales (thus pulled demand forward), but not sure how that is a necessity...