American consumers wrapped up the year in a spending mood, shopping for all sorts of merchandise from furniture to clothing, and eating out at restaurants, according to the latest government snapshot. The figures, announced Thursday, marked a clear sign that consumers are still able and willing to shop, and the data bodes well for 2025 even as shoppers remain deal-focused. Retail sales rose 0.4% in December from the previous month, the Commerce Department said, though down from November’s upwardly revised 0.8% gain.
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