WASHINGTON -- U.S. retail sales increased for the first time in four months last month, thanks to shopper spending. Bloomberg reports that this hike increases the odds that the economy will withstand the housing slump.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that last month, sales rose 1.0 percent, more than forecast, after a revised 0.1 percent decline in October that was less than previously estimated. Excluding motor vehicle sales, purchases jumped 1.1 percent, the most since January.

An expanding labor market and rising wages kept consumers buying, keeping the economy growing at the moderate pace predicted by the Federal Reserve. About 70 percent of GDP is consumption, more than real estate and manufacturing.

“Once again, the reports of the death of the U.S. consumer have been greatly exaggerated,” Michael Gregory, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets told Bloomberg. “This holiday season might be decent after all, despite the housing headwind.”

Economists predict sales to advance 0.2 percent, according to the median of 71 forecasts in a Bloomberg News survey. Excluding autos, sales were estimated to increase 0.3 percent, propelled by improved sales at electronics stores and building material and automobile dealers.