The American Consumer will not be deterred. Despite worsening jobless figures and an increase in the Cost of Living, Retail Sales are climbing. In June, for the 12th straight month, retail receipts rose, excluding cars and auto parts. Analysts expected no change from May. Instead, receipts topped $321 billion -- an all-time record. For home buyers and would-be refinancers in DC , this is a bit of unwelcome news. Mortgage rates are rising in the wake of the Retail Sales data … [Read more...]