Investing.com - U.S. retail sales rose 0.1% in August the Commerce Department said on Friday.
This was compared to a 0.7% gain in the previous month which was revised up from an initial 0.5%.
Economists had forecast a reading of 0.4%.
Rising retail sales over time correlate with stronger economic growth, while weaker sales signal a declining economy.
Core retail sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, rose 0.3% in August, after a 0.9% increase in the previous month.
The consensus forecast was for a reading of 0.5%.
Core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product.