      A strong retail sales figure is typically bullish for stocks,especially for the retail sector. When this report is released, anyvariance from the estimate will cause retail stocks to react. It is a greattrading opportunity because the movements are sometimes large and tend toexhibit continuing trends for large potential gains. As with most tradingstrategies and opportunities, there are caveats. The caveat for the retailsales figure is that it is very hard to estimate and is subject tosubstantial revisions. Regardless, when a figure is released, it is usuallytaken as fact, not fiction, and remains so until revisions are released. Ifyou are in a position in the retail sector, keep a watchful eye out forrevisions, and adjust your position accordingly. You may want to lighten upon your position or close it out altogether in anticipation of a revision.If the revision is in your favor, you may consider adding to the position,or adding a trade in a related stock in the sector as an alternative,potentially less risky, diversified strategy.