Retail sales up 0.5 percent in July and 6.4 percent year-on-year

U.S. retail sales rose a healthy 0.5% in July, although June's sales were reduced from a 0.5% to a 0.2% gain. Retail sales rose 0.6% minus gas stations and auto dealers.  Over the last year, retail sales have increased 6.4%, close to the long-run average since 1980.

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