Nomura on Wednesday's Retail........>

US DATA PREVIEW: Nomura on Wednesday's Retail sales expect a "0.7% m-o-m

increase in core ("control") retail sales in February. The labor market likely

remained strong in the month with continued wage growth". Nomura added the

"recent tax cuts appear favorable for consumer spending in the near term. This,

combined with elevated consumer sentiment as suggested by most incoming consumer

surveys, indicates continued momentum in consumer spending." On the flipside,

Nomura expects "some drag from sales at auto and auto parts dealerships. Total

light vehicle sales slowed in February. We think consumers' purchase of light

vehicles will slow further considering rising interest rates and tight burrowing

conditions on auto loans."