°®¶¹´«Ã½

Retail sales in the United States climbed for a second straight month, a sign consumers may be looking past recent volatility in financial markets.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose in July on growing demand for everything from cars to clothing, and a decline the previous month was wiped away, signaling consumers are propelling growth in the world’s largest economy.

Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly dropped in June, curbing optimism about the strength of the rebound in consumer spending during the second quarter.

Sales on e-commerce websites increased 3.5% in the first three months of the year from the previous quarter, reaching a record $80 billion worth of purchases, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Commerce Department on May 15.

Sales at U.S. retailers changed little in April, starting the second quarter on a weak note as Americans remained reluctant to splurge.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in March after being depressed by harsh winter weather, signaling consumers are intent on not overextending themselves.

Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly decreased in February for a third consecutive month as inclement weather and low wage gains restrained shoppers.

Sales at U.S. retailers fell more than forecast in January, reflecting smaller receipts at gasoline stations and declines at clothing and sporting goods stores.

Retail sales in the U.S. slumped in December by the most in almost a year, reflecting a broad-based retreat that will probably prompt economists to cut growth forecasts.

American consumers ate out and shopped for clothes in October, enjoying a windfall from cheaper gasoline and prompting a rebound in retail sales heading into the holiday-shopping season.