do you want some good news about the recession?

From Ann Zimmerman in the WSJ, news that the retail sector is recovering-- at least for a month, and if mostly among the lower-brow retailers (most notably, WalMart)...

Americans finally started spending again in February -- largely at discounters such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. -- leading to the first monthly gain in retail-industry sales since September.

Wal-Mart stood above other retailers, posting its best sales performance in nine months. Sales at stores open a year rose 5.1%, the company said, twice the rate that analysts had expected, and helped by strong demand for electronics. The world's largest retailer delivered a note of confidence by raising its annual dividend 15%....

Shoppers are spending more on groceries, countertop appliances and cookware as they cut back on trips to restaurants, say retailers. Food sales, which account for about 40% of Wal-Mart's U.S. revenue, also contributed to better than expected results at membership clubs and other discount chains.

Luxury retailers, midpriced department stores and clothing chains are still struggling to attract shoppers....But in many cases sales were down less than analysts had expected....

Lower gasoline prices are helping get Americans out of the house and putting more cash in their pockets....

Wal-Mart's sheer size helped push industry sales up 0.7% at stores open at least a year...