U.S. data points to strengthening domestic demand and inflation

U.S. retail sales rose more than expected in January as households bought electronics and a range of other goods, pointing to sustained domestic demand that should bolster economic growth in the first quarter. The reports came a day after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen appeared to put an interest rate hike next month on the table. "This morning's reports add a little more impetus for the Fed to move this quarter.