June retail sales may look lackluster

Retail sales for June will be released tomorrow and most analysts are looking for about a 0.5% rise. Following a 0.5% rise in May, such an increase would normally be welcomed.

But June's same-store sales numbers from many of the nation's retailers were disappointing, and the jump in gasoline prices may mask what could turn out to be a disappointing month.

A better indicator will be sales less autos and gasoline stations. This so-called "core number" will provide a more accurate view of what consumers want to do with their disposable income.