Retail sales in the U.S. probably rose in March, showing consumers are weathering the jump in gasoline prices, economists said before a report today. The 0.3 percent rise in purchases would follow a 1.1 percent advance in February that was the biggest in five months, according to the median forecast of 71 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. A separate report may show manufacturing in the New York region grew. An improving job market is boosting incomes and giving households enough confidence to sustain spending in the face of higher fuel costs, a sign sales at chains like Gap Inc. (GPS) and Target Corp. (TGT) will ... (full story)