Wednesday, February 18, 2009

US retail sales in unexpected jump - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Hey, did anybody hear this economic report last week? Maybe we won't be needing that "stimulus." Maybe Obama may not have to save us from Armageddon after all. I think this somewhat positive economic trend was under-reported and downplayed.

US retail sales in unexpected jump - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation):

"There has been a slight glimmer of economic hope in the US, with an unexpected jump in retail sales.
Sales jumped 1 per cent last month. Most economists had been forecasting a drop of the same amount.
The increase followed six straight months of falling sales and has been put down to heavy post-Christmas discounting.
Petrol sales also increased strongly as a result of falling prices at the pump.
Individual retailers have reported a drop in sales over January, and many have been forced to sack workers to stay profitable.
Separate figures show new claims for jobless benefits have fallen slightly, but still remain above 600,000."

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