°®¶¹´«Ã½

Retail sales climbed in September by the most in three months, showing American shoppers began to spend freely again after shying away from merchants earlier in the quarter.

Sales at U.S. retailers dropped more than forecast in August, indicating a pause in recent consumer-spending strength that has carried the economy.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose more than forecast last month in a broad advance that shows consumers delivered for the economy in the second quarter.

Retail sales rose more than forecast in May, showing consumer spending will help boost economic growth in the second quarter.

Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly fell in March, raising concern that consumer spending is losing momentum.

U.S. retail sales dropped in February and the prior month’s gain was revised to a decline, calling into question the narrative that bigger gains in consumer spending would propel economic growth at the start of 2016.

Retail sales increased for a third straight month in January as Americans kicked off 2016 by spending freely on cars, clothing and online merchandise.

U.S. retail sales will grow just 3.1% in 2016 as consumers shift more of their spending to experiences, rather than the mall, according to the National Retail Federation.

Sales at U.S. retailers declined in December to wrap the weakest year since 2009, raising concern about the momentum in consumer spending heading into 2016.