[U.S. September Retail Sales Growth Slows to 0.2%]
The U.S. Department of Commerce released September retail sales data, delayed due to the government shutdown, showing that retail sales, unadjusted for inflation, grew by 0.2%, down from 0.6% in August. Retail sales excluding automobiles and gasoline increased by only 0.1%. Among 13 categories, 8 recorded growth, primarily driven by gas stations, personal care stores, and other miscellaneous retailers. Vehicle sales saw their first decline in four months, while sales of electronics, clothing, and sporting goods also fell. Consumer momentum weakened at the end of the third quarter, with low-income consumers showing signs of pressure due to rising prices and a softening job market. Federal Reserve officials continue to monitor income disparity issues, and there remains division over the expectation of a rate cut in December.