The U.S. Commerce Department released retail sales data today. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.6% in August, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% gain, after a 0.3% rise in July. July's figure was revised up from 0.0%. That was the fastest pace in four months.

Retail sales excluding automobiles rose 0.3% in August, beating expectations of a 0.2% increase, after a 0.3% gain in July. July's figure was revised up from a 0.1% increase.