The U.S. Commerce Department released the retail sales data on Friday. The U.S. retail sales climbed 0.2% in November, missing expectations for a 0.3% increase, after a 0.1% gain in October.

The lower increase was mainly driven by a fall in automobiles purchases. Sales at auto dealerships declined 0.4% in November.

Retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.4% in November, beating forecasts of a 0.3% gain, after a 0.1% rise in October. October's figure was revised down from a 0.2% increase.

Sales at building material and garden equipment stores fell 0.3% in November, while sales at furniture stores decreased 0.3%.

Sales at clothing retailers climbed 0.8% in November, while sales at service stations dropped 0.8%.

These figures could be strong enough for the Fed's interest rate hike next week.