American consumers are confident, but remain cautious, the National Retail Federation said of the latest market report. The U.S. Commerce Department Wednesday reported retail sales rose 0.4 percent in March, the ninth straight monthly increase. Sales excluding automobiles and gas stations rose 0.6 percent. “Shoppers last month were eager to take advantage of retailers’ spring promotions on everything from apparel to outdoor furniture,” said Matthew Shay, CEO for D.C.-based National Retail...