U.S. retail sales grew more slowly in October, giving a moderate boost to the consumer spending that drives most U.S. economic activity.

Tuesday's report from the Commerce Department says the gain was half a percent in October, which is less than the previous month.

Consumers have been spending more on electronics, appliances, hardware, and building supplies.

Spending has been restrained by slow growth and high unemployment which has been at 9 percent or worse for the past two years.

A separate report showed U.S. inflation eased a bit in October, as wholesale prices fell three-tenths of one percent.