RETAIL SALES

Germany?s retail sales rose in March compared to the previous month with the boost in purchasing power in households as unemployment declined.

Asian stock markets declined Friday as sentiment was subdued after Standard & Poor's downgraded Spain's rating.

Asian stock markets declined for the second day Tuesday despite better-than-expected US retail sales data as concerns over Europe's debt crisis continued to weigh.

Sales at U.S. retailers rose sharply for the third straight month in March, as Americans continued to weather the hike in gasoline prices and splurged on buying new cars and renovating their homes.

Futures on major US stock indices point to a higher opening on Monday ahead of economic data including retail sales.

Growth was 8.1 percent in the first quarter, the lowest since the same period in 2009, largely due to weak global demand and reduced investment in domestic real estate.

Claims for jobless benefits rose to 380,000 last week, giving economists another piece of data to worry about after a gloomy job market showing in March. Meanwhile, a Federal Reserve report published Wednesday painted a picture of a recovery that continues to press ahead, however, modestly, amid concerns of higher fuel prices.

Same-store sales rose 0.5 percent from the previous week and 4.5 percent year on year, the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs reported. Redbook Research said same-store sales were up 0.8 percent from March and 4.1 percent from April 2011.

Fresh figures on business activity and retail sales in the 17-member currency area reinforce earlier signs of recession, even as the European Central Bank left its main interest rate unchanged at an all-time low of 1 percent.

General Motors Co. announced its March car sales were up 11.8 percent Tuesday on the strength of Chevrolet sales.

Ford Motor Co. had its strongest March car sales in five years, increasing sales 5 percent over last year, the company reported Tuesday.

Starting from wild rumors on iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3 to grand launch of Apple's legendary New iPad (or iPad 3) and once again the world witnessed Apple Mania!

Retail sales in Japan increased 3.5 percent year-on-year in February, supported by subsidies on cars and higher fuel prices, according to data from the Japanese ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Growth is likely to be weak in the near term for New Zealand as the temporary boost from the Rugby World Cup unwinds, according to Capital Economics.

The monthly activity data released this week confirmed that Russia’s economy remains in a decent shape, helped by the recent rise in the oil price according to Capital Economics.

Following National Potato Chip Day on Mar. 14 and Pepsi's Banner Sun potato chip brands reaching an impressive $10 billion in global retail sales, the food company was very generous in sending me a very interesting selection of chips.

PepsiCo, Inc. might be associated with refreshing cola, but the company has hit a giant milestone with their popular “Banner Sun” potato chip brands. “The “Banner Sun” potato chips, which are comprised of Lay’s (U.S.), Smith’s (Australia), Walkers (U.K.), Elma’s (Brazil) and Sabritas (Mexico), have reached over $10 billion in global retail sales. The food company has been catering to chip taste preferences around the world, fueling their rising sales

Gold fell to its lowest since mid-January on Wednesday after a modest upgrade of the U.S. Federal Reserve's economic outlook added zip to the dollar and gave investors an excuse to lighten holdings of bullion.

Stocks shot up Tuesday, propelled by a strong U.S. retail sales report, a German investor confidence survey and a statement by the Federal Open Market Committee noting improvement in household and business spending as well as job creation.

U.S. stocks soared Tuesday in afternoon trading, amid strong reports of retail sales and business inventories and buoyant sentiments from the Federal Reserve.

Business inventories beat expectations in January, increasing 0.7 percent to a record level as auto dealers replenished their stocks to keep pace with rising demand from consumers.