Economics
Lackluster Rebound in U.S. Sales Shows Consumers Hesitant
U.S. March Retail Sales Rise 0.9%
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The March rebound in U.S. retail sales was less impressive than economists forecast, signaling consumers are in no rush to spend the windfall from cheaper fuel prices.
Purchases increased 0.9 percent, the first gain in four months, according to Commerce Department figures issued Tuesday in Washington. The median forecast of 87 economists surveyed by Bloomberg projected retail sales would advance 1.1 percent. Other reports showed inflation is tame and small-business confidence ebbed.