In the United States September retail sales rise more than expected with cars having the lion's share. The data just released shows an increase of 1,1% compared to economists' forecasts of a rise of 0,7%. The August data, which had highlighted a flat trend, was instead revised up by 0,3%. Excluding the auto sector, the increase in sales was 0,6%.
On the other hand, import prices rose surprisingly. In September the rise was 0,3% against the estimates of analysts who predicted a decline of 0,4%. Compared to a year ago, September 2010, import prices jumped by 13,4%, mainly due to fuel prices rising by 43,4%. The non-energy component increased by 5,5% (+0,2% compared to August 2011).
