While the US retail scene seems a bit dismal, Canada is doing fine. DNR reports that retail sales in Canada rose 1.5 percent month over month in January to roughly $35.8 billion, compared to a predicted 1.4 percent increase. Clothing and accessories sales recorded an impressive 2.9 per cent jump. Two Canadian financial institutions predict the Canadian economy will avoid being dragged into a recession by the slumping U.S. economy, but that Canada’s economic growth will slow to 1.3 per cent this year from 2.7 per cent in 2007. Start calling those Canadian accounts! (DNR)