US stock futures rise

WASHINGTON (AP) — A strong report on retail sales in July sent U.S. stock index futures higher after a week of record-setting gains and losses on Wall Street.

The government said that consumers spent more on autos, furniture and gasoline in July, pushing up retail sales by the largest amount in four months. The gain signals that Americans are a little more confident, and helps to dispel fears that the economy could tip back into recession.