What: US retail sales unexpectedly rose in May, showcasing resilient consumer demand in the face of mounting economic challenges.

Why it is important: The value of retail purchases climbed 0.3 percent after a 0.4 percent gain in April; Commerce Department data showed Thursday. Excluding autos and gasoline, sales were up 0.4 percent. The figures aren’t adjusted for inflation.

The overall figure beat all but one estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. Sales at 10 out of 13 retail categories advanced last month, in part reflecting greater spending on cars — which were widely expected to drop.

While the figures came in stronger than expected, they still show moderating consumer demand from the past year. Americans have kept spending even against a backdrop of elevated prices and higher interest rates, supported by a still-vibrant job market and pent-up savings.

US retail sales see unexpected growth