Data released just moments ago from the US Census Bureau showed a rise in US retail sales in June, exceeding market expectations. Sales rose to $720.1 billion, up 0.6% from May’s reading, which declined 0.9% (expected 0.1%), and were up 3.9% year-over-year.

Core sales, excluding autos, rose 0.5% in June, compared to a revised 0.2% decline in May. Non-store sales rose 4.5%, while food and beverage sales rose 6.6%.