Two months of increases were a good start and three would have been even better. To a degree it should not come as a surprise that the previous increases would falter. It's not a healthy economy so it's to be expected. Before the celebrations start, the economy has to have consistency and predictability, neither of which should be expected in the first half of the year and probably not in the second half either. There is no quick fix though the "I must have resolution and recovery today" crowd in the media doesn't always get it. Today's report is not the end of the world but it's anyone's guess how the markets will respond. Reuters:
Sales at U.S. retailers unexpectedly fell in March, snapping two months of increases, as motor vehicle and electronic good purchases declined, according to a government report on Tuesday that indicated subdued consumer spending amid rising unemployment.
The Commerce Department said total retail sales dropped 1.1 percent after rising by a revised 0.3 percent in February, previously reported as a 0.1 percent fall.
