While you were sleeping: US consumer boosts rally

While you were sleeping: US consumer boosts rally
Margreet Dietz
By Margreet Dietz Feb. 16 (BusinessDesk) - Wall Street moved to fresh record highs after US reports showing a larger-than-expected increase in retail sales while consumer prices rising at the fastest clip in nearly four years underpinned the outlook for growth in the economy and corporate profits.  A Commerce Department report showed retail sales rose 0.4 percent in January, following an upwardly revised pace of 1.0 percent in December. Separately, a Labor Department report showed the consumer price index climbed 0.6 percent last month, f...