Retail sales fall short in August, temper Fed speculation

This economy can be explained in just one word.....TEPID.

U.S. retail sales rose less than expected in August even as demand increased for automobiles and other big-ticket items, the latest sign that economic growth slowed in the third quarter.

The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales increased 0.2 percent last month as Americans bought automobiles, furniture and electronics and appliances.

However, they cut back on clothing, building materials and sporting goods.