October retail sales in the U.S. remained flat as consumers held back on spending due to economic uncertainties. Excluding a drop in auto sales, retail sales rose 0.4%. The latest job report shows a souring employment picture, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%. Holiday shopping season began strong, but spending varies by income.

Sales at clothing stores rose 0.9%, while furniture stores saw a 2.3% increase. Online retailers experienced a 1.8% sales boost, but restaurant sales dipped 0.4%. Retailers like Walmart and TJX Cos. saw strong sales, while Home Depot and Target faced slower spending trends.

The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to increase 3.7% to 4.2% compared to last year. A K-shaped pattern in spending shows higher-income Americans thriving while lower-income households struggle. Bank of America Institute data reveals high-income shoppers increased spending by 2.6% in November, while lower-income groups lagged behind at 0.6%.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Retail sales unchanged in October hurt in part by a decline in auto sales