"Retail Sales were remarkable for the May strength and revisions to March and April figures. Over the past three months, total Retail Sales are up at an 8% pace. Excluding auto sales that have been very weak, Retail Sales were up at a 12.4% pace. Gains were widespread... Tax rebates amounted to $48 bln in May according to recently released Treasury statistics. That may account for a good portion of the advance in sales during the month. April and March Sales, however, were also revised upward substantially."