While strong activity in the auto sector is expected to ensure a positive reading of July headline retail sales, weakness in other categories is likely to translate into a decline of the index excluding autos, pointing to a slowdown in consumer spending in the third quarter. Analysts' forecasts in a MNI survey center on a 0.3% increase in total retail sales, with estimates ranging from 0.1% to 1.0%, following a 1.1% advance in June. Virtually all analysts said auto sales are responsible for the positive reading. In fact, excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, estimates center on a 0.4% decline, within a range of ... (full story)