US Retail Market Rebounds in March

RAPAPORT... US retail sales showed their largest gain since September asthe economic and financial outlook stabilized, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Total purchase value grew 3.6% year on year in March, with salesrising in nearly every retail sector on a month-to-month basis, the trade organization reported earlier this week. TheConference Board's Leading Economic Index - which is intended to forecast future economic activity - rose 0.4% for the month. "The index's increase - driven by declining initial unemploymentclaims, rising consumer expectations for business conditions, and gains infinancial components - suggests that the economy is poised for gains in themonths ahead," NRF noted. The general improvement follows a slowdown in sales at specialist jewelry stores in the first two months of the year. Combined sales for the store category in January andFebruary fell 5% year on year, according to data from the USCensus Bureau. Jewelry figures for March are not yet available. The US retail forecast for April is positive, as sentimentcontinues to rise, the NRF said. "Consumer outlook remains healthy and spending looks steady," itadded. Image: Women shopping in a mall. (Pxhere)