U.S. building materials sales buoyed by January weather

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose by 0.3 percent in January, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, the fourth consecutive monthly gain. The gains were in line with analyst expectations, but the control subset, which excludes volatile items like building materials and automotive categories, remained unchanged. Unusually mild temperatures during the month boosted sales of building materials, while lower gas prices stimulated sales at the pump.