美国9月零售销售超预期，但汽油支出掩盖了真实图景

US retail sales rose more than expected in September, suggesting consumers continued spending despite pressure on household budgets. A closer look, however, shows that higher spending at gasoline stations accounted for much of the headline strength. Retail and food services sales increased 0.8 percent from August, exceeding the 0.3 percent gain economists expected, according to Associated Press reporting. Excluding gasoline stations, sales rose a more modest 0.2 percent. The difference matters because retail sales measure dollars spent rather than the quantity of goods purchased. A higher bill can reflect rising prices, stronger demand, or a combination of both. September’s report therefore offers evidence of continued spending without establishing that shoppers broadly increased their purchasing power. …