clipped from news.bbc.co.uk

US retail sales unexpectedly rise

Hard up shoppers appear to have been tempted by bargains US retail sales unexpectedly increased by 1% in January, which economists suggest is due to New Year discounting. The rise was the first monthly gain in seven months, and followed a revised 3% fall in December. Analysts had expected a 0.8% decline last month. Excluding car and auto parts, sales in January rose by 0.9%. Petrol sales rose 2.6% as prices continued to fall.