JOSHUA SHARF rounds up some economic news you may have missed. A few tidbits:

Retail store sales were up 4.1% year-over-year

Same-store sales were up 5.1% year-over-year

Consumer Confidence rose to 109.6, well above the consensus estimate range

The housing bust continues to track the elusive Afghan Winter, as existing home sales rose slightly, when they were expected to decline

This was offset somewhat by a decline in mortgage applications

Durable goods orders were up 6.1%

He’s got more. And don’t miss the Carnival of the Capitalists — what better way to celebrate May Day?