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
0 Comments