US retail sales rise more than expected in September

U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% month-on-month in September, well above August's 0.1% gain, beating market expectations for a 0.3% gain.

US retail sales rise more than expected in September

The data was released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sales at general store retailers posted the most significant gain at 4.0%, followed by apparel at 1.5%, health and personal care stores at 1.1%, and food and beverage stores at 1.0%.

Other gains included 1.0% growth in food service and consumer goods stores, 0.5% growth in general merchandise stores, 0.3% growth in sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, and book stores, and 0.2% growth in building materials and lawn equipment retailers.

Sales drop in electronics, gas stations, and furniture stores; auto dealerships remain flat

Sales at electronics and home appliance stores fell 3.3%, gas stations also fell 1.6%, and furniture stores fell 1.4%.

Automotive dealership sales flatlined.