Americans stepped up their spending at retail stores and restaurants last month in a clear sign that consumers are still able and willing to shop. Retail sales rose 0.4% in December from the previous month,

Retail sales rose at a solid pace in the final month of 2024, capping off a good holiday shopping season and suggesting the economy entered the new year with some momentum.

Holiday retail sales rose 3.8% year-over-year, topping earlier estimates with a boost from online shopping, according to Mastercard.

December’s retail sales report could be a bright spot for the economy, rounding out a surprisingly solid holiday season. By all accounts, the sales report—due Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern—should be a solid one.