From a Washington Post breaking email alert:
Sales at U.S. retailers rose more strongly than expected in March as consumer stepped up purchases of vehicles and wide range of goods, government data showed on Wednesday, suggesting a broadening of the manufacturing-led economic recovery.
The Commerce Department said total retail sales jumped 1.6 percent, the largest increase since November, from an upwardly revised 0.5 percent rise in February. Sales in February were previously reported to have gained 0.3 percent.
I wonder how much of this is because of people getting back larger tax refunds this year? It would play into the fact that more middle class Americans will be more willing to spend their money than the top 2%. It also would be another indicator that the stimulus is working.