U.S Retail Sales Increased in September – October Report

Retails and foods services sales slightly inclined in September compared to
August 2011, and were 7.9% above the sales at September 2010. The U.S.
Department of Commerce issued its monthly report on the change in the U.S.
retail and food sales during September 2011. This report adjusts for seasonal
variances but controls for price changes. During September, the U.S. retail and
food sales reached $395.5 billion, which is higher by 1.1% above the sales in
August. The gasoline stations sales were 20.3% higher in September 2011 than a
year earlier and 1.2% higher than in August 2011. Total sales of gasoline in the
past nine month in 2011 reached $403.045 billion (not adjusted for seasonality)
– an increase of 19.5% from the parallel time in 2010. The financial markets
seem to react to this news as the U.S stock markets along with the major
commodities prices are currently traded up. Current Nymex crude oil price, short
term futures (November 2011 delivery) is traded sharply up by 3.26% to $86.98
per barrel as of 18:29*. Current Dated Brent spot oil price inclines by $3.09/b
to $115.24 / barrel as of 18:29*. Current gold price, short term futures
(November 2011 delivery) is