Dive Summary:

• Second quarter predictions for the U.S. economy have received a boost, partly due to the encouraging retail sales results for April. The totals are an encouraging sign for the U.S. economy.
• "It's more indication that our economy is growing. It's not growing as rapidly as a lot of people would like, but things are improving," said Tom Hall, economics professor at Miami University's Farmer School of Business.
• Retail sales rose only 0.1% but accounted for roughly 30% of consumer spending in the U.S. The surprising totals have also raised optimism for Q2 predictions by economists, according to sources.

From the article:

Retail sales edged up 0.1 percent after a 0.5 percent drop in March as households bought automobiles, building materials and a range of other goods, the Commerce Department said on Monday. Economists had expected a decrease of 0.3 percent.