WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. retail sales had their best gain in five months in June, but the increase was tempered by weakness in many sectors, Commerce Department data released Tuesday revealed.
Retail sales rose a better-than-expected 0.6%, the strongest sales report since January's 1.7% increase.
But sales were boosted by higher prices for gasoline and a bounce in auto sales off of low very levels. The figures are seasonally adjusted but are not adjusted for inflation.
Excluding both autos and gas, sales fell 0.2%, the fourth straight decline.
Sales in June were held back by declining sales at the malls and shopping centers.
Excluding the 2.3% rise in auto sales, sales rose 0.3%.
Excluding the 5.0% rise in gasoline station sales, sales rose 0.3%.
Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expected total sales to rise 0.5% and sales excluding autos to rise 0.7%.
Sales rose 0.5% in May.
In the past year, retail sales are down 9%. Sales in the second quarter fell 9.6% from the same period last year.
The report adds to the perception that the U.S. economy is at a turning point, with areas of weakness and strength.
The retail sales report offers some encouragement that the economy is about to revive.
Details
Sales at furniture stores dropped 0.2%. Sales at electronics stores rose 0.9%. Sales at building materials stores fell 0.9%.
Food and beverage store sales rose 0.2%. Sales at restaurants and bars dropped 0.9%.
Sales at drug stores and personal care stores fell 0.3%.
Sales at non-store retailers, such as catalogs and online stores, rose 0.6%.
Sales at clothing stores were flat. Sales at general merchandise stores fell 0.4%.
Sales at sporting goods, book and hobby stores rose 0.9%.
