U.S. Retail Sales Rose 0.4% In March
(For March 2011)
U.S. retail sales were reported up 0.4% in March vs. o.5% consensus. February reading was at +1.1% (revised from +1.1%). On year level retail sales are up 7.1%.
Most notable gainers: furniture & home furniture stores 3.6%, gasoline stations 2.6%, building material & garden equipment 2.2%;
Only losers: miscellaneous store retailers -2.1%, motor vehicle & parts dealers -1.7%, nonstore retailers -0.3%.
Autos taken out, the figure was an increase of 0.8% vs. consensus of 0.7%. Prior reading was revised to +1.1% (up 0.5%). On year level retail sales less autos are up 6.5%.
Autos and gas station taken out, the retail sales rose 0.6%. Prior reading was at +0.9% (revised up 0.3%). On year level retail sales less autos and gas stations are up 5.1%.
