NEW YORK (AP) -- A key data service is reporting that retail sales rose in many sectors in March, helped by an earlier Easter and modest consumer spending rebound.
The latest numbers from MasterCard Advisor's SpendingPulse show sales of furniture, luxury items, clothing and consumer electronics rose.
The figures track transactions in all forms including cash.
More hints about consumer spending are due Thursday when about 30 major retailers report on sales at stores open at least a year. A fourth straight month of solid increases is expected.
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