The two companies say the move will level the retail market for consumers by offering greater choice.

The sector, which accounts for about 70% of economic activity, last month expanded at the fastest pace since October.

Americans feel better about their economic and financial prospects, with consumer sentiment at its highest in nearly six years.

GUEST COMMENT: Studies show no great benefit from public funding, such as the programme our government is poised to unveil in a fortnight.

Latest photo galleries from Norrie Montgomery.

HIDESIGHT I believed people couldn’t be left alone to do as they please: they were too greedy, the market too capricious, resources too precious and the planet too fragile.