Retail sales rise in April despite higher prices

Retail sales rose 0.5% in April even as consumers faced higher prices for gas, food and other goods.

The latest figures suggest spending held up last month despite signs of strain.

The increase came against a backdrop of elevated costs across several everyday categories.

The available data does not give a breakdown of which parts of retail performed best.

The figures matter because consumer spending is a major driver of economic activity.

A rise in sales can indicate resilience, but the accompanying warning signs suggest households may be feeling pressure from higher prices.

The report points to a mixed picture: shoppers continued to spend, yet there are indications that some consumers are under strain.

No further detail was provided on wages, borrowing or regional differences.

The data also does not say whether the April increase is likely to continue in coming months.

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