Consumer Sentiment Signals Caution After Solid US Retail Sales

US retail sales rose in July in a broad-based advance and the prior month was revised higher, though economists were cautious on the trend going forward given a softening jobs market and weaker consumer sentiment.

The value of retail purchases, not adjusted for inflation, increased 0.5% after an upwardly revised 0.9% gain in June, Commerce Department data showed Friday. Excluding cars, sales climbed 0.3%.

Nine out of 13 categories posted increases, led by the biggest gain in motor vehicle sales since March. Sales at online retailers and general merchandise stores advanced, likely boosted by campaigns including Amazon.com ...