Retail Sales Up Overall but Online Sales Slow

October retail sales were up 0.4%, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Although U.S. consumers keep opening their wallets, auto-related sales boosted results, while some key categories of discretionary spending dipped. Online sales slowed, indicating a potential lull before the holiday shopping season begins.

The data pointed to flagging momentum — at least temporarily. Spending on automobiles and parts surged by 1.6% while spending on electronics and appliances gained...