Retail sales in the United States rose in April at a pace consistent with market forecasts, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Commerce Department.
The report showed retail sales increased 0.5% during the month after rising by a downwardly revised 1.6% in March.
Economists had anticipated a 0.5% gain in April, following the previously reported 1.7% jump in the prior month.
Excluding motor vehicle and auto parts dealers, retail sales advanced 0.7% in April after surging 1.9% in March. Analysts had expected ex-auto retail sales to rise by 0.6%.