Time reports that U.S. retail sales rose a solid 1.1% in February, representing the fastest pace in five months. The retail sales report is the government’s first look each month at consumer spending, which drives about 70 percent of economic activity.

Economists were encouraged by the stronger-than-expected gain in retail sales. Some said the increase means the economy may be growing faster in the January-March quarter than they had forecast.

http://business.time.com/2013/03/13/u-s-retail-sales-up-solid-1-1-in-february/