Retail sales rose for 4th month straight in May

(CNN)– Despite rising inflation and low consumer sentiment Americans are not being frugal when it comes to spending.

Wednesday, June 17, the Commerce Department said retail sales rose .9% in May from the prior month.

That was well above what economists had predicted and represents the fourth consecutive monthly increase.

Retail spending was up across nearly every category last month.

It rose the most at gasoline stations mostly reflecting higher gas prices.

But when excluding gas purchases sales were still up a solid .7% in May.