U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in August as a decline in receipts at auto dealerships was more than offset by strength in online purchases, suggesting that the economy remained on solid footing through much of the third quarter.

Americans spent a bit more at retailers last month, providing a small boost to the economy just as the Federal Reserve considers how much to cut its key interest rate.

Overall retail sales rose unexpectedly by 0.1 percent from July to August at $710.8 billion, defying analysts’ anticipation of a 0.2 percent decline, according to Department of Commerce data. The figures reflect tepid sales at auto dealers and gas stations, the agency said.