Retail spending in the U.S. rose sharply for the third straight month, up 0.8% in March, as consumers continued to splurge on a wide range of goods and services, the government reported Monday. Sales rose fastest for building materials, autos, home furnishings, electronics and appliances and clothing, the Commerce Department said. Sales excluding the auto sector also rose 0.8% last month. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch expected retail sales to rise by 0.4% overall, or by 0.6% excluding the auto sector. In February, retail sales were revised down to 1.0% from 1.1%. Sales in January were revised up to 0.7% from ... (full story)