Retail Sales Tick Higher

The Pragmatic Capitalist submits: Retail sales continue to rebound as the consumer finds his/her legs and year over year comparisons remain very easy. ICSC reported this morning that week over week sales jumped 2.1% while year over year sales jumped 4.7%. They attribute the strength to the calendar shift in Easter and good weather across the country. Redbook is singing the same positive tune for March with a robust 5.2% year over year gain, but warns of a April slow-down.

The Pragmatic Capitalist submits: Yesterday's retails sales data showed some continuing signs of strength in consumer trends. ICSC chain store sales jumped 3.4% year over year while Redbook reported a 3.1% jump.The two reports are taking a bit of opposing stances on the data, however. Redbook says the report is a disappointment and now sees March sales at just 0.7%. Michael Niemira, ICSC’s Chief Economist says the sales are a good sign and boosted his March forecast for sales to 2.5%-3.5% from 2.5%:

The Pragmatic Capitalist submits: Redbook and ICSC same store sales data came in positive for the week, but are beginning to show some softness and signs that consumers remain hesitant to spend.Redbook reported year over year gains of 0.8% and month over month sales of -1.5%. The year over year gains were the lowest since October. Weekly sales reported by ICSC were also weak. Year over year sales were up 0.4% while weekly gains came in at just 0.1%.

By optionMONSTER: The calendar is light for today in a week already thin on economic reports. We will get the regular weekly retail sales data as well as new home sales. On Friday GDP data will be released along with consumer sentiment, both of which will be watched closely.The weekly ICSC/Goldman Store Sales report comes out at 7:45am ET. There are two parts to the report, the week-over-week change and the year-over-year change.

optionMONSTER submits: By Bryan McCormick In a quiet week for economic releases, there are three reports today. Two of those are the regular weekly retail sales surveys, and the other is consumer credit.The weekly ICSC/Goldman Store Sales report will be released at 7:45 a.m. ET. There are two parts to the report, the week-over-week and year-over-year changes. Most traders focus on the year-over-year number because it is a better indicator of the longer-term trend.

The Pragmatic Capitalist submits: Data continues to surprise to the upside as consumers show more signs of life. Retail sales came in stronger this morning as data from Redbook and ICSC showed year over year gains of 4.4% and 3.2%. Sales have been strong in recent weeks as the early Easter has pulled sales into March.

optionMONSTER submits: By Bryan McCormick The economic calendar will include the usual weekly retail reports but will also feature non-manufacturing data from ISM. A number of Fed officials will be speaking, as has been the case for the last week, and we will see the FOMC meeting minutes at 2 p.m. ET.