Data released just moments ago from the US Census Bureau showed a rise in US retail sales, exceeding market expectations. Sales rose to $734.9 billion, a 1.4% increase compared to February’s reading of 0.2% (1.3% expected), and a 4.6% year-over-year increase.
Core sales, excluding auto prices, grew 0.5% in March, compared to a revised 0.7% increase in February. Sales at auto dealers and auto parts stores rose 8.8%.