Retail sales disappoint

Another piece of economic data was reported today, retail sales.  While the numbers were disappointing to some, this is only in comparison to high expectations after a robust March.  Actual same-store retail sales were up 1.7%.

Analysis: While some folks may be disappointed by the retail sales figure, they are still up.  That is a good thing.  The U.S. consumer continues to open his/her wallet and is continuing to spend.

Importance grade: 4; if the number had been negative the grade would have been much higher.  That would have been an indication of a U.S. consumer still very uncomfortable with the economic climate.  Instead, the number, while below expectations, was positive.

Jason