Data released moments ago by the US Census Bureau showed that US retail sales rose in September at a slower pace than expected. Sales reached $733.3 billion, a 0.2% increase compared to 0.6% in August (expectations were for 0.4%), and a 4.3% increase year-over-year compared to September 2024.

Core sales, excluding auto prices, rose 0.3% in September, compared to a revised 0.7% increase in August. Non-store sales rose 6.0%, while sales at food and beverage establishments increased 6.7%.