US consumers spent more at retailers in October than economists expected, signaling a positive start to the crucial end-of-year shopping period.

A positive October sales report shows a strong retail market. U.S. retail sales increased slightly more than expected in October as households boosted purchases of motor vehicles and electronic goods, suggesting the economy kicked off the fourth quarter on a strong note.

American shoppers have spent more than expected so far this fall at retail establishments and restaurants. U.S. retail and food-service sales rose 0.4% in October from September in seasonally adjusted terms to $718.