US DATA: The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.5% in the
Sept. 10 week following a 4.9% gain the previous week. Month-to-date,
September was up 4.7% compared to September of last year.
Month-over-month showed a 0.2% gain compared to August. Redbook says,
‘Most retailers reported an excellent Labor Day holiday, with better
than expected sales growth on Sunday and Monday as the season approached
its peak back-to-school selling period. Thereafter, business tailed off
sharply in the middle of the week, only to build-up again into the
weekend.’