Retail sales saw 0.8% bump in September, but big chunk of spending went to paying for gas

What happened: US retail sales rose 0.8% in September, but a large share of that spending went to gasoline. Excluding gas stations, retail sales rose 0.2%. Key numbers: 0.8% overall retail sales increase in September; 0.2% increase excluding gas stations; figures not adjusted for inflation. Why it matters: The government figures are not adjusted for inflation, which accelerated last month as gasoline and many other goods and services became more expensive, so the headline gain partly reflects higher prices rather than more spending. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

September retail sales rose 0.8%, but gas spending drove much of the gain.

September retail sales rose 0.8%, but gas spending drove much of the gain. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.