US Retail Sales in September 2009

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Census Bureau released retail sales figures for September 2009.

Retail sales fell 1.5%, led by a 10.4% decline in motor vehicle sales (after the rebate program cash for old cars, expired in August).

The drop in total sales was smaller than the decrease of 2.1% expected by private analysts, noted the Dept.

Gasoline sales rose 1.1%.
Sales excluding motor vehicles and gasoline increased 0.4%.

In the third quarter (Q3) as a whole, total retail sales rose 6.4% at an annual rate, and (or but?) sales excluding the volatile motor vehicle and gasoline components rose 0.6%.