Sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in March after being depressed by harsh winter weather, signaling consumers are intent on not overextending themselves. Purchases increased 0.9 percent, the first gain in four months, after a 0.5 percent drop in February, Commerce Department figures showed Tuesday in Washington. The median forecast of 87 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a 1.1 percent advance. The figures show Americans remain focused on shoring up savings even as employment and confidence firm and inflation remains low. A boost in wage growth may be what’s needed to drive households to loosen ... (full story)