Retail sales up a better-than-expected 0.8% in September as shoppers remain resilient

What happened: U.S. retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating the 0.3% economists expected, after a revised 1.3% gain in August, per the Commerce Department. Key numbers: September retail sales +0.8%. August +1.3% revised. Expected +0.3% (FactSet). Excluding gas stations +0.2%. Why it matters: Natalie Kotlyar of BDO said the growth shows consumers are still spending but is not broad strength, since inflation above 3% and high gas prices mean part of the gain is simply higher prices. She said retailers need to protect margins and keep inventory flexible into November and December.

Retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating expectations as shoppers remain resilient.

Retail sales rose 0.8% in September, beating expectations as shoppers remain resilient. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.