February retail sales up 0.6%, yet fissures emerge in what has been a driving force for US economy WPXI [Video]

NEW YORK — (AP) — Americans picked up their spending a bit in February after pulling back the previous month. But last month’s gain was weaker than expected, and January’s decline was revised even lower, suggesting that many are growing more cautious with their money.

Retail sales rose 0.6% last month after falling a revised 1.1% in January, dragged down in part by inclement weather, according to the Commerce Department’s report on Thursday.

February’s number was also lifted in part by higher gas price as well as higher auto sales and a rebound in building materials, which were depressed by severe weather during the prior month. Excluding sales from gas stations and auto dealers, sales rose 0.3%.

The national average gas price Thursday was $3.41 per gallon, per AAA, up from$3.39 a week ago, and $3.26 last month.

Government retail data isn’t adjusted for inflation, which ticked up 0.4% from January …