Data issued moments ago by the US Census Bureau showed a rise in US retail sales, below market expectations, as sales rose by 0.4% in April to reach $686.1 billion, compared to a decline of about 0.7% in the revised March reading, while expectations were for an increase of about 0.8%. . Underlying sales, excluding cars and spare parts, increased by 0.4% in April, compared to a decline of about 0.5% recorded in March, after adjustment, while sales of food services and drinking places increased by 9.4% year-on-year.