The overall tone of economic data coming out of the United States out this morning was mixed.

On the downside, U.S. retail sales fell slightly more than expected in October as demand tumbled for motor vehicles and parts. The decline was 0.3% last month, according to the U.S.. Commerce Department.

RBC Financial says gasoline station sales fell due to declining prices, and sales also fell at sporting goods stores, grocery stores and department stores. Restaurants, building supply stores and furniture stores posted the strongest gains.

“Today’s retail sales report seems to confirm that the contribution to growth by consumers will likely be weaker this quarter than in the third quarter,” RBC says.

On the brighter side, RBC notes that consumer confidence is showing signs of improving. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index preliminary value for November was 93.5, higher than expected and almost 4 points above the October reading.

There was more good news about the producer price index. The U.S. Labor Department said that wholesale prices grew at the fastest pace in seven months in October. There was a surge in prices of food and capital equipment. This is an indication that the risk of deflation is fading.

The producer price index for finished goods rose 0.8% in October, accelerating from a 0.3% rate in September. The core index, which excludes food and energy items, rose 0.5%. That, too, marked the fastest rate in seven months.

“Further down the pipeline, price pressures are beginning to bubble up,” says BMO Nesbitt Burns. “Intermediate costs reversed the prior month’s drop, jumping 0.4% in October. And, costs at the crude level rose for the second month in a row. Both measures are showing steady gains excluding food and energy.”