Oct retail sales +0.8% vs +0.5% expected by.>

US DATA: Oct retail sales +0.8% vs +0.5% expected by analysts and +0.3% 

expected by markets, while ex-mtr veh +0.7% vs +0.5% expected, with gains

in both vehicle sales and gasoline station sales pushing up the headline

numbers. Sep sales were rev down to -0.1%. 

- Vehicle sales +1.1% as vehicles begin to be replaced after the 

hurricane season.

- Gas station sales +3.5%. Ex. gas, sales would have been +0.5%. Looking

deeper, Oct sales ex. mtr veh and gas +0.3% and +0.3% ex auto, bldg mat,

gas and food services, suggesting underlying growth.

- Building materials sales +1.0%, while food services -0.2%, clothing 

sales +0.5%, and department stores +1.3%.  

- October retail sales were +4.3% vs the 3Q average at an annual rate. 

Ex. mtr veh, retail sales were +4.1% vs the 3Q average, and were +3.1% 

ex. autos, bldg materials, gas, and food services.