–Sales Ex Autos +0.6%, Ex Autos and Gas +0.5%; Autos +3.6%
By Denny Gulino and Kevin Kastner
WASHINGTON (MNI) – The U.S. September retail sales report showed
accelerated growth, with an above-expectations gain of 1.1% and an
upward revision to August sales.
September ex autos was up +0.6%. The MNI survey media expectation
for total sales was an increase of 0.8% and for ex-autos, 0.4%.
The August sales level was revised up to a 0.3% gain from
the originally reported virtually flat result. The third quarter
sales, at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, are now up 4.5%,
both for the total and ex autos.
Total sales excluding both motor vehicles and gasoline were up 0.5%
in each of the last two months.
Within the September sales numbers, autos were up 3.6%,
furniture up 1.1%, electronics up 0.2%, gasoline stations up 1.2%,
dining places up 1.2%, and clothing stores were up 1.3%.
The only major minuses were for sporting goods, food/beverage
storyes and building materials and none were off more than 0.3%.
July-September sales vs. the same three months a year earlier
are up 8.0%.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: MAUDS$,M$U$$$,MT$$$$,MAUDR$]
