6 Reasons Why Retailers Will Suffer This Spring

Thanks to several factors playing out in the U.S. economy, the onset of spring weather may not lead to overstuffed registers for retailers. As a result of the continued underwhelming numbers by retailers, it’s hard to not be concerned about the stocks at currently levels: shares of the Market Vectors Retail ETF (RTH) have gained 1.6% in the past six months versus a 0.6% drop for the S&P 500. One should expect more Gap-like sales warnings in the weeks ahead from retailers, pressured stock prices and slashed outlooks for the full year. The only thing that would lessen the blow — but not reduce it entirely — is really warm weather in April that sends people out in droves to buy shorts, t-shirts, sandals and food for a weekend barbecue. Read more at The Street.