WASHINGTON, Jan 15- U.S. retail sales rose solidly in December as Americans shrugged off the threat of higher taxes and bought automobiles and a range of other goods, suggesting momentum in consumer spending as the year ended. Retail sales increased 0.5 percent after rising 0.4 percent in November, the Commerce Department said.
WASHINGTON, Jan 15- U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in December as Americans shrugged off the threat of higher taxes and bought automobiles and a range of other goods, suggesting momentum in consumer spending as the year ended.