Retail sales are strengthening so far in 2012, according to the Census Bureau. February sales jumped a robust 1.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis, the best monthly increase since last September. There was also good news for the annual pace of retail sales: for the first time in five months, the 12-month percentage change in retail sales rose, suggesting that the worrisome deceleration trend in consumer spending may have run its course.
Daily Archives: March 13, 2012
The Forecast File: US Retail Sales For February
Today’s update of February retail sales, scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m. eastern, will bring some fresh numbers for thinking about the recent deceleration in personal consumption expenditures. Here’s a brief look at some of the commentary and predictions:
Retail Sales in U.S. Probably Rose in February by the Most in Five Months
Bloomberg | Mar 13
Retail sales in the U.S. probably rose in February by the most in five months, spurred by the strongest demand for automobiles since 2008, economists said before a report today. The 1.1 percent rise would follow a 0.4 percent gain in January, according to the median forecast of 81 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Excluding autos, purchases may have climbed 0.7 percent.