This morning, the leading retail stocks are showing early strength. The popular Market Vectors Retail ETF (NYSEARCA:RTH) is trading higher by 0.11 cents to $41.23 a share. This leading ETF has been under selling pressure since May 1, 2012 when it traded as high as $42.69 a share. Short term traders should watch for intra-day resistance around the $41.50, and $41.80 levels.

The two leading home improvement retail stocks are finally retreating today. The Home Depot Inc (NYSE:HD) and Lowe's Companies Inc (NYSE:LOW) are trading slightly lower on the session after making new 52 week highs yesterday. Both of these stocks remain above the daily chart 50, and 200 moving averages which indicate a strong technical chart position.

This afternoon, all of the leading retail stocks are trading higher on the session. The Merrill Lynch Retail HOLDRS ETF (NYSEARCA:RTH) is trading higher by 0.47 cents to $41.07 a share. This signals that most retail stocks are trading higher today. Other leading retail stocks such as Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE:BIG), and The TJX Companies, Inc.

The retail sector has been extremely strong since late December 2011. The Market Vectors Retail ETF (NYSEARCA:RTH) has surged higher by more than $4.00 since that time. This morning, the RTH is declining lower by just 0.08 cents to $41.23 a share. Short term traders should watch for intra-day support around the $41.00, and $40.50 levels.