US retail sales rise for 3rd month but slowdown expected

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans spent more at retail stores and restaurants in July for a straight straight month, but growing evidence suggests that sales are now slowing with the expiration of government rescue aid that had previously put more money in people’s pockets.Friday’s reportfrom the Commerce Department showed that retail purchases rose by a seasonally adjusted 1.2% last month, with solid gains at appliance and clothing stores helping drive up sales. The gains of the pas