US DATA: Apr retail sales +0.5%, ex-mtr veh +0.6%, about as expected,
but following sharp upward revisions to the previous two months. Mtr veh
sales +0.2%, gasoline station sales +2.7%, while the remaining
categories +0.2% combined. Sales declined for furniture and electronics
and at department stores and food and drinking places, but were more
than offset by sales gains at food stores, nonstore retailers and for
building materials and for clothing. While the rate of sales growth was
slower than in recent months, it still indicated upward movement.