Take that, Republicans. And your little dog, Ted Cruz, as well.

US retail sales rise solid 0.4 percent in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers shrugged off the 16-day partial government shutdown and spent more on autos, clothing and furniture in October, boosting U.S. retail sales by the most in four months.

“Retail sales rose 0.4 percent, up from a flat reading in September, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Sales were slightly held back by a steep drop in gas prices. Excluding sales at gas stations, retail spending rose an even stronger 0.5 percent.

(snip)

“The retail sales gain indicates that consumers stepped up spending at the start of the October-December quarter. Their spending accounts for 70 percent of economic activity.”

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