Retail sales at U.S. stores fell 0.2% in April after as a number of key components posted sales declines in the month, according to data released yesterday by the Commerce Department.
Sales excluding motor vehicles were up 0.5% following a strong upward revision to the previous month. Sales were up 0.6% when both motor vehicle and gasoline station sales were removed.
April sales were as expected, but sales excluding autos were up more than expected due to a surprise decline in gasoline station sales. Motor vehicle sales fell 2.8%.
— Market News International
