US retail sales jump in May, brighten growth outlook

US retail sales surged in May as households boosted purchases of automobiles and a range of other goods even as they paid a bit more for gasoline, the latest sign economic growth is finally gathering steam.

While other data on Thursday showed a slight increase in new applications for unemployment benefits, the number remained in territory associated with a tightening labour market. The signs of an improving economy could likely prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in September.

Retail sales increased 1.2 per cent last month after an upwardly revised 0.2 per cent gain in April, the Commerce Department said. April sales were previously reported to have been unchanged. March sales were also revised to show them rising 1.5 per cent instead of 1.1 per cent.

The dollar rallied against a basket of currencies on the retail sales data, while prices for U.S. Treasury debt fell. U.S. stock index futures were little changed.

The U.S. central bank has kept its short-term interest rate near zero since December 2008. Solid retail sales data added to robust job growth in May and stabilizing manufacturing activity in suggesting the economy was finding momentum after getting off to a slow start in the second quarter.

The government's most recent growth estimate showed gross domestic product contracted at a 0.7 per cent annual pace in the first quarter.

But revisions to March retail sales together with upbeat data on healthcare spending, as well as already reported revisions to construction spending, trade and wholesale inventory data suggest that output was probably not that weak.

BROAD-BASED GAINS

Retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services increased 0.7 per cent last month after an upwardly revised 0.1 per cent rise in April.

These so-called core retail sales correspond most closely with the consumer spending component of gross domestic product. Economists had forecast core retail sales rising 0.5 per cent after they were previously reported to have been flat in April.

Consumer spending is likely to remain fairly strong in the coming months, supported by high savings, rising house prices and a tightening labor market, economists say.

In a separate report, the Labour Department said initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 279,000 for the week ended June 6.

Last month, overall retail sales were buoyed by a 2.0 per cent jump in receipts at auto dealerships.

Sales at service stations rose 3.7 per cent, reflecting a rise in gasoline prices. Sales at electronic and appliance stores gained 0.1 per cent, while receipts at furniture stores increased 0.8 per cent.

Sales at clothing stores surged 1.5 per cent. Receipts at online stores climbed 1.4 per cent and sales at sporting goods stores increased 0.8 per cent. Sales of building materials and garden equipment advanced 2.1 percent. Sales at restaurants and bars nudged up 0.1 per cent.

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