Retail sales up a strong 0.9% in May, underscoring the resilience of the US consumer (opens in new tab)

NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers stepped up their spending in May and surpassed expectations as temperatures warmed and gasoline prices cooled. Retail sales rose 0.9%, up from a revised 0.4% gain in April, according to new Commerce Department data released Wednesday. Sales got a boost from generous government tax refunds in both April and May,...