Figures released Friday by Washington show that U.S. retail sales in April recorded their biggest increase in a year. This, as Americans stepped up purchases of automobiles and a range of other goods, and suggesting the economy was regaining momentum after growth almost stalled in the first quarter.
The Commerce Department said retail sales jumped 1.3% last month, the largest gain since March 2015. March's retail sales were revised up to show a 0.3% decline instead of the previously reported 0.4%drop.
Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales shot up 0.9% last month after an upwardly revised 0.2% gain in March.
Economists had forecast retail sales rising 0.8% and core retail sales gaining 0.3% last month.
The broad increase in retail sales last month is seen by many Americans as a welcome reprieve for a sector that has struggled with tepid demand, and suggests economic growth is picking up after braking to a 0.5% annualized rate in the first three months of the year.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 1.4% pace in the fourth quarter. Retail sales have been sluggish in part because the strengthening labour market stateside has not generated strong wage growth.
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