Retail sales increased in April as consumer confidence was boosted by strengthening employment data, increasing housing prices and a record-breaking stock market. Retail sales rebounded last month compared to March, which saw the first monthly retailing business decline since October 2012.

Core retail sales—excluding autos, building materials and fuel—increased 0.6% seasonally adjusted and increased 3.9% unadjusted year-over-year in April, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Including those categories, last month's retail sales rose 0.1%, U.S. Department of Commerce figures showed today.

"In the face of higher taxes and sequester, consumers provided the economy a bit of a reprieve this month," NRF President and CEO  said. "Despite colder spring weather and an early Easter, consumers shopped in April, demonstrating an inherent resiliency even as the economy faces serious headwinds, including stagnant job and wage growth."

NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz called the retail sales increase "encouraging news."

"However positive, retail sales and consumer spending in April may not necessarily translate into a stronger or healthier second quarter," he said. "NRF continues to forecast moderate sales growth for the year."

Book and music, sporting goods, and hobby stores' sales increased 0.5% seasonally adjusted month-to-month, and rose 4.5% unadjusted year-over-year, NRF said.

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