The latest retail sales data reveals a robust growth of 0.4% in September, surpassing expectations and indicating strong consumer spending. Americans have increased their expenditures, particularly in discretionary categories, which has bolstered the economy significantly. This uptick in retail sales, alongside a decline in jobless claims, underscores the resilience of the U.S. consumer and points toward sustained economic strength. The S&P 500 futures have also responded positively to the news, reflecting optimism in the markets as investors look for signs of ongoing economic expansion.