US New US home sales declined 1.5% in April, dropping to an annual pace of 662,000 units. This was better than the consensus estimate of a 2.1% decline. However, March new home sales were revised downward to a 2.0% monthly gain from a first reported 4.0% rise. New home sales are now 8.4% higher year-to-date [...]
US US small business optimism rose slightly in April after losing some ground in March. That followed a cycle high hit in February after the tax cuts boosted the mood on main street. The mood is still very upbeat. Strong demand is translating into rising earnings on net for firms. Small businesses are also seeing [...]
US The US personal income and spending report showed an encouraging spending rebound in March. Consumer spending rose 0.4% during the month on both a real and nominal basis. The 0.4% rise came on the heels of a weaker February gain, with nominal spending flat and real spending declining 0.2%. Consumer spending took a breather [...]
