U.S. retail sales were unexpectedly unchanged in July as falling gasoline prices weighed on receipts at service stations, but consumer spending appeared to be holding up, further assuaging fears the economy was in recession. Declining gasoline prices, however, freed up money for spending on other goods including furniture, electronics and appliances as well as building materials and garden equipment. Combined with strong wage gains from a tight labor market and ample savings, that should help to underpin consumer spending in the months ahead. The mixed report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday is unlikely to ... (full story)