Retail sales rose in July, especially at U.S. auto dealerships, according to the Associated Press.
The Commerce Department on Friday reported a 0.5% increase in retail spending last month, a slowdown from June’s revised 0.9%.
The increases follow two straight months of declines of 0.1% and 0.9% in April and May, respectively.
Retail sales were up 0.3% excluding auto sales, which have been volatile in the wake of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on many foreign-made cars.
Auto sales increased 1.6% and appear to have returned to a fairly normal level after a March and April surge — as Americans tried to get ahead of Trump’s 25% tax on imported cars and parts — and a slump after that.
Clothing stores saw a 0.7% uptick in business, while electronic store sales fell 0.6%, and online retailers logged a 0.8% increase.
