US retail sales and producer prices both rose in August by more than forecast on higher fuel costs, limiting other spending and suggesting prices are pinching consumers and businesses. The value of total retail purchases increased 0.6% from July following a downward revision to the prior month’s surge, Commerce Department data showed Thursday. Excluding gasoline, sales climbed 0.2%. A separate government report showed the producer price index for final demand increased 0.7% from a month earlier. The cost of gasoline surged 20%, accounting for much of the gain. Excluding food and energy, the PPI rose 0.2%. The ... (full story)