Retail sales in the U.S. increased in August by the most in six months, easing concern about a bigger pullback in the biggest part of the economy. The 0.9 percent gain followed a revised 0.6 percent advance in July that was smaller than initially reported, the Commerce Department said today in Washington. The median forecast of 84 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for an increase of 0.8 percent. Demand rose for automobiles, while higher gas prices boosted receipts at service stations. Higher food and fuel costs along with smaller gains in payrolls and wages may take a toll on household finances, making it ... (full story)