WASHINGTON, Shawwal 28, 1436, Aug 13, 2015, SPA -- Americans bought more cars, restaurant meals and building supplies in July, a rise in spending that points to steady economic growth anchored by an improving job market, according to AP. Retail sales climbed 0.6 percent last month after a flat reading in June, the Commerce Department said Thursday. July's increase suggests that the combination of solid hiring and cheaper gasoline is contributing to rising consumer confidence and spending after a muted start to 2015. Greater retail sales could help boost overall economic growth because consumer spending accounts for the bulk of U.S. economic activity. "This report looks solid after a run of disappointing numbers," said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. --SPA 18:38 LOCAL TIME 15:38 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w