US DATA: wk 22-Sep ICSC-Goldman Store Sales: “After last week’s
sharp decline, retailers enjoyed a solid bounce back in sales as the
weather turned colder and consumers sought out Fall-related merchandise.
As a result for the week ending September 22, weekly retail sales turned
positive and rose by 0.6%, according to the International Council of
Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales
Index. On a year-over-year basis, retail sales also improved and rose
by 2.9%.” ICSC notes “gasoline prices have finally receded after 11
weeks and in time could help discretionary spending, especially as the
industry heads into the holiday shopping season.”