U.S. Retail Spending Held Steady in July

U.S. retail spending held steady in July compared with the prior month as shoppers saved money from falling gasoline prices and boosted purchases elsewhere.

Overall retail sales—a measure of spending at stores, online and in restaurants—were flat in July compared with the prior month’s revised 0.8% increase, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. With gasoline and auto sales removed from the picture, sales rose 0.7% last month from June.

Spending at gasoline stations, which makes up about one-10th of retail outlays, fell 1.8% on the month. Vehicle sales, which make up about a...