Good News, 2011 | featured news

Big chains report an 8.9% increase from a year earlier, led by discounters and apparel stores. A later Easter is considered only partly responsible for the big jump.

The pace of expansion in U.S. manufacturing slowed in April for a second straight month but was brisker than expected, data showed on Monday, a sign the sector was holding up despite slower national growth.

The number of job openings rose at their fastest pace in almost seven years in February, according to a new report from the Labor Department.

Consumers spent more in March on furniture, electronics and at restaurants, but also paid more for gas. Retail sales increased 0.4 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the ninth consecutive monthly gain.

Analysts project that sales will increase across the industry, despite worries about rising gasoline prices and production stoppages in Japan.

Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in February, a trade group said on Monday, pointing to a modest pick-up in home sales.

Manufacturers likely increased production at a slightly faster pace in February than in January, when output rose at the quickest pace since May 2004.

U.S. consumer spending rose less than expected in January as households took advantage of the largest increase in incomes in more than 1-1/2 years.

Consumer confidence rose in February to its highest point in three years as Americans feel more optimistic about their income prospects and the direction the economy is headed.

US retail sales rose in January for the seventh consecutive month, although the increase was the weakest since June 2010.