1.   To be sure, retail spending figures released last week, also were stronger than expected.

2.   Economic reports this week showed growing employment and rising retail spending in May, especially on cars and trucks.

3.   In the September quarter, retail spending rose by a little less than expected.

4.   Squeezed by rising gasoline prices and discouraged by cool, rainy weather, Americans put a brake on retail spending in June, new figures showed Thursday.