Retail Sales in U.S. Increase Less Than Forecast: Economy
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Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than projected in December, confirming forecasts for a slowdown in consumer spending at the start of 2012.
The 0.1 percent gain in purchases last month followed a 0.4 percent increase in November, according to figures from the Commerce Department released today in Washington. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey called for a 0.3 percent rise. Another report showed more Americans than projected filed claims for jobless benefits last week.