Dow Jones Today | Live US Stock Market Updates: Wall Street Slips Once More Due to Poor Earnings from Bank of America and Wells Fargo

In November, US retail sales experienced their largest increase since July, driven by a surge in auto sales and robust holiday shopping. The latest Commerce Department data revealed a 0.6% rise in retail purchases, unadjusted for inflation, following a downwardly revised 0.1% decline in October. When excluding automobiles, sales grew by 0.5%. This report was postponed due to the government shutdown.

Out of 13 categories, ten recorded increases, notably in sporting goods and hobby shops, building materials retailers, and clothing stores. Sales of motor vehicles bounced back after the end of federal tax incentives on electric cars had previously limited sales. The overall increase was also supported by higher receipts at gas stations.