American shoppers have spent more than expected so far this fall at retail establishments and restaurants. U.S. retail and food-service sales rose 0.4% in October from September in seasonally adjusted terms to $718.

US retail sales increased 0.4% in October, driven by a jump in auto purchases. Auto sales rose by the most in three months. Michael McKee reports. (Source: Bloomberg)

U.S. retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October, but underlying momentum in consumer spending appeared to slow at the start of the fourth quarter. Retail sales rose 0.4% last month after an upwardly revised 0.