Data released just moments ago from the US Census Bureau showed a rise in US retail sales, falling short of market expectations. Sales rose to $722.7 billion, a 0.2% increase from November’s revised 0.8% decline from 1.2% (expected 0.6%), and were up 3.1% year-over-year.

Core sales, excluding auto prices, grew 0.3% in December, compared to a revised 0.6% decline in February, matching expectations.