Consumers spent at a much faster pace than expected in September, with retail sales rising 1.9% in a sign that the U.S. economy’s biggest driver remains healthy. The report comes amid concerns over the direction of an economy slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Investors will also keep their eyes on Washington during the week ahead as lawmakers continue to struggle over new U.S. fiscal stimulus. This week, President Donald Trump said he would raise his offer for a coronavirus aid above the current level of $1.8 trillion. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has said the administration’s proposal “falls significantly short” of what is needed. Plus, French terrorism authorities are investigating a knife attack that wounded at least two people, California fires and Hurricane Delta.