REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSummaryCompanies Retail sales increase 0.7% in SeptemberCore retail sales rise 0.6%; August sales revised upManufacturing production increases 0.4%WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in September as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and spent more at restaurants and bars, cementing expectations that economic growth accelerated sharply in the third quarter.
Retail sales rose 0.7% last month.
Economists defended their forecast for tepid retail sales growth, which they said was based on softening consumer confidence.
Excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales rose 0.6% in September.
Data for August was revised up to show these so-called core retail sales gaining 0.2% instead of 0.1% as previously reported.
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