Retailers Higher on December Sales

December Retail Sales came in better than expected with a gain of 0.5% versus the estimate of 0.2%. The ex-auto numbers were even more impressive, gaining 0.3% versus an expectation of losing 0.1%.

The SPDR S&P Retail ETF ($XRT) is outperforming the market in early trading with a gain of 0.5% versus a drop of 0.3% for the S&P 500.

Leading the way are:

• Bon-Ton Stores ($BONT) up 2.7%
• Kohls ($KSS) up 1.7%
• Pier 1 Imports ($PIR) up 1.0%
• Express ($EXPR) up 19%
• Gap ($GPS) up 2.5%
• American Eagle Outfitters ($AEO) up 2.1%