US retail sales beat expectations in September; core retail sales rise solidly

WASHINGTON: U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in September as households boosted purchases of motor vehicles and spent more at restaurants and bars, suggesting the economy ended the third quarter on a strong note.

Retail sales rose 0.7% last month, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday. Data for August was revised higher to show sales advancing 0.8% instead of 0.6% as previously reported.