UK’s CMA found Microsoft holds strong positions in five digital activity areas under investigation.

IEA says it stands ready to take further measures to address strains in global energy markets.

US September retail sales beat estimates but were concentrated in gasoline, masking mixed demand elsewhere, the Commerce Department said Thursday. Nominal retail sales rose 0.8% MoM in September (August revised to +1.3%); core retail sales excluding autos and gasoline rose 0.2%. Of 13 retail categories, eight increased; gasoline sales jumped 6.4%, while spending on hobby goods and building materials fell; furniture, electronics and restaurants rose. The data show consumption momentum eased into quarter-end as price pressures intensified; accelerating inflation is further eroding real wages and squeezing household budgets. Executives at Domino's and Albertsons said on recent earnings calls many consumers remain under strain.