Retail Sales Probably Rose in February: U.S. Economy Preview

Sales at U.S. retailers probably rose in February for the fourth consecutive month as an improved job market and stronger household finances helped consumers adjust to a higher payroll tax, economists said before a report this week.

The projected 0.5 percent advance would follow a 0.1 percent gain in January, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of 67 economists before March 13 figures from the Commerce Department. Another report this week may show factory production rebounded.