Retail sales increased 0.6% for the month, buoyed by a pickup in clothing and accessory stores as well as online non-store businesses.
Stock market futures held negative following the releaseOn a year-over-year basis, retail sales ended the year up 5.6%.
The CPI increased 0.3% in December, also lower than the retail sales increase.
Another measure of retail sales strength that excludes sales from auto dealers, building materials stores, gas stations, office suppliers, mobile homes and tobacco stores rose 0.8% for the month.
Health and personal care store receipts declined 1.4% and gas stations saw a 1.3% drop as fuel prices eased.
Persons:
Dow Jones
Organizations:
Commerce Department, Federal Reserve, Stock, Furniture, Gas