The U.S. Commerce Department released the retail sales data on Friday. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.1% in October, missing expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a flat reading in September. September's figure was revised down from a 0.1% rise.
The lower increase was mainly driven by a fall in automobiles purchases. Sales at auto dealerships declined 0.5% in October.
Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.2% in October, missing forecasts of a 0.4% gain, after a 0.3% fall in September. September's figure was revised up from a 0.4% decrease.
Sales at building material and garden equipment stores climbed 0.9% in October, while sales at furniture stores increased 0.4%.
Sales at clothing retailers were flat in October, while sales at service stations dropped 0.9%.
These figures could mean that the Fed will not start raising its interest rate in December.