US Retail Sales Decline in November

Retail sales in the United States declined by more than expected during November, data by the US Department of Commerce showed on Wednesday.

Last month, retail sales decreased by 1.1%, while the October reading was revised down to show a decline of 0.1% instead of an increase of 0.3% as initially estimated.

The decline in retail sales in October was the first since the month of April, showing the continuing effect of the rise in Coronavirus cases.

Motor vehicle sales fell by 1.7%, while electronics and appliances saw a 3.5% decline.

Receipts at furniture stores declined by 1.1%, while online and mail-order retail sales went up by 0.2%.

Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials, and food services, retail sales fell by 0.5% in November.