U.S. consumer activity decelerated in October

October retail sales data pointed to a downshift in the pace of consumer spending.
Line chart showing U.S. retail sales for autos. See retail sales image description.
Line chart showing U.S. retail sales excluding autos, ranging from 6.2% year-over-year in October 2018, to reach a low of -16.6% in April of this year and back up to 4.5% as of October 2020.
Line chart showing the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index. See Consumer Confidence image description.
Line chart showing the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index, ranging from 137.9 in October 2018 to a low of 85.7 in April of this year and 100.9 as of October.