U.S Retail Sales Surprisingly Advanced by 1.1%, Empire State Manufacturing at Minus 6.2 - 15.10.2012

U.S Retail Sales rose unexpectedly by 1.1 per cent in September down from a revised 1.2 per cent increase in August according to the Department of Commerce. The Core Retail Sales which excludes the automobiles sector because it tends to be volatile, increased also unexpectedly by 1.1 per cent in September. Strong Retail Sales data remain at the highest point since September 2011 providing optimistic signs for economic activity in the US. The Empire State Manufacturing Index was at minus 6.2 in October, higher than a minus 10.4 in September however still below zero indicating a negative business sentiment. The US dollar rose slightly after the data against its major counterparties, the US dollar Index rose from 79.63 to 79.70.

US Dollar Index