Retail sales drop unexpectedly in April, raising recovery doubts

news.yahoo.com ^ | May 13,2009 | AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

WASHINGTON – Retail sales fell for a second straight month in April, a disappointing performance that raised doubts about whether consumers were regaining their desire to shop. A rebound in consumer demand is a necessary ingredient for ending the recession.

The Commerce Department said Wednesday that retail sales fell 0.4 percent last month. Many economists had expected a flat reading, and the April weakness followed a 1.3 percent drop in March that was worse than first estimated.

Retail sales had posted gains in January and February after falling for six straight months, raising hopes that the all-important consumer sector of the economy might be stabilizing. But the setbacks in March and April could darken some forecasts because consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of economic activity.

[nina0113]

Once everybody bought their gardening supplies so they’ll at least have potatoes to eat, they went back to hunkering down...

Seriously, the garden centers were stripped bare early this year.

[Ev Reeman]

People are NOT SPENDING BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR TAXES ARE GOING TO GO SKY HIGH ACROSS THE BOARD FOR EVERY LITTLE THING THEY BUY!

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

Ain’t this the truth!!! Now everyone is not buying anything but groceries and food.

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

And gasoline sparingly of course.

[Uncle George]

Spending was a “last fling while I still have a job”. Then came April and the pink slips arrived.

[MNlurker]

I was told yesterday by economists that we’ve recovered...you mean they were painting a rosy picture for their Messiah? Reality’s a bitch...a tough, mean, but honest pitch.

[jospehm20]

Ammo and firearms are still hard to find.

[lormand]

Time for Change folks, just like the plaque was change, or the middle ages where change etc.

Hope and Change - better hope you have change left in your pockets when it's all over

[goodnesswins]

Ammo shortages....that’s why retail sales are falling.....people are SAVING their money for AMMO

[NoGrayZone]

What do they expect with a commie in the House?

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Tax time too.

[End Times Sentinel]

...consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of economic activity.

Maybe the government could step in and make up for that lost activity.

I think I speak for everyone here when I say higher taxes and piling on more debt won't be a problem.

Just put the taxes on someone else, and the debt we can worry about tomorrow.

[mysterio]

Retail sales drop unexpectedly in April, raising recovery doubts

Unexpectedly? People without jobs don't buy as much stuff. How is that unexpected?

[Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!]

Somehow I think the AP Yahoo is the only way the public online can be knowlegeable of this. Obama said all is well.

[Redleg Duke]

The media and RATS had talked down the economy for most of the Bush second term and then went nuts on bailouts and spending and threatening businesses.

Now the media can't understand why!

[FroggyTheGremlim]

Bush's fault
.
.
.
not!

[Leisler]

Maybe we can tax China.

[goodnesswins]

Yeah....really....75% of my husband’s group was laid off a couple weeks ago....these are engineers, project managers, etc.....talk about a hit to the economy .....

[wideminded]

I can see a paper mill about 4 miles from my house. When it’s operating the mill emits a lot of steam from its stacks. I’ve noticed that the mill has been shut down for several months. But this morning it appeared to be operating again.