Retail sales in the United States rose in July by the largest amount in five months, buoyed by more spending on autos, furniture and clothing. All major categories showed increases, a sign that consumers may be gaining confidence after the longest stretch of declines since the fall of 2008.

The Commerce Department said retail sales rose 0.8 percent in July from June. The increase followed three months of declines, including a 0.7 percent fall in sales in June.  Read more