U.S. retail sales figures blew out expectations for November as the holiday season and enthusiasm for President Donald Trump’s economic agenda fueled the beginning of the holiday buying season.
The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales rose .8% last month continuing an amazing run-up for 2017. Analysts had forecast just a .3% rise.
October sales were also adjusted up to .5% from the previously reported .2% rise.
Consumer sales are a major driver for the U.S. economy and November’s numbers could indicate an acceleration in GDP or sustained growth at a minimum.