Washington

US retail sales in April recorded their biggest increase in a year as Americans stepped up purchases of cars and a range of other goods, suggesting the economy was regaining momentum after growth almost stalled in the first quarter.

The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales jumped 1.3 per cent last month, the largest gain since March 2015. March's retail sales were revised up to show a 0.3 per cent decline instead of the previously reported 0.4 per cent drop.