The U.S. Commerce Department released the retail sales data on Wednesday. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.1% in September, missing expectations for a 0.2% decrease, after a flat reading in August. August's figure was revised up from a 0.2% rise.
The increase was mainly driven by higher automobiles purchases. Automobiles and car parts sales rose 1.7% in September.
Retail sales excluding automobiles decreased 0.3% in September, missing forecasts of a 0.1% decline, after a 0.1% fall in August. August's figure was revised down from a 0.3% increase.
Sales at building material and garden equipment stores declined 0.3% in September and sales at furniture stores increased 0.6%.
Sales at clothing retailers were up 0.9% in September, while sales at service stations dropped 3.2%.
These figures could mean that the Fed will not start raising its interest rate this year.