U.S. retail sales increased for the second consecutive month

U.S. retail sales increased for the second consecutive month in June 0.6 percent, the Department of Commerce data menunjulkan Tuesday, in a report that stronger than expected.

Ministry of trade to maintain unchanged 0.5 percent increase in retail sales in May from April.

Monthly retail sales data indicate the direction of consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of output is the world's largest economy.

Not including fuel sales and motor vehicles and components, retail sales fell for four consecutive months, with 0.2 percent, down 0.1 percent after the May.

Sales of gasoline, led the rise in overall retail sales, increased 5.0 percent from May as gasoline prices at the pump increased.
Sales of cars and parts increased 2.3 percent in June, after rising 0.5 percent in May.

On an annual basis, retail sales are 9.0 percent below the level in June 2008.

In the middle of a severe recession, retail sales increased by only four of the last 12 months, as consumers close their wallets Jelang rising unemployment and a drop in home values.