Retail Sales Stronger in February Than Expected

Washington, DC, March 12, 2010--U.S. retail sales rose unexpectedly in February, according to the Commerce Department.

Purchases increased 0.3 percent, the fourth gain in the past five months, Commerce Department figures showed. However, figures for the prior two months were revised down.

Sales excluding autos rose 0.8 percent.

Retail sales were projected to fall 0.2 percent, according to the median estimate of 77 economists. Forecasts ranged from a decline of 1 percent to a 0.9 percent gain.

Ten of 13 major categories showed increases in sales last month.


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