U.S. retail sales were unchanged in April as households cut back on purchases of automobiles and other big-ticket items, suggesting the economy was struggling to make a strong rebound after barely growing in the first quarter.
The U.S. Commerce Department said on Wednesday retail sales for March were revised up to show a 1.1% increase instead of the previously reported 0.9% rise.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales rising 0.2% last month.
Retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services were also unchanged after an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in March.
The so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product. Economists had forecast core retail sales rising 0.5% in April after a previously reported 0.4% increase in March.
