Overview:  Consumer credit was up $5.0 billion to $2.412 trillion in January.  The U.S. trade deficit widened 15% to $46.3 billion in January.  The U.S. Treasury recorded a deficit of $222.5 billion in February.  Retail sales rose 1.0% in February.  Business inventories were up 0.9% in January.  Initial jobless claims increased 26,000 to a level of 397,000 for the week ended 3/5.

• Consumer credit increased by $5.0 billion to $2.412 trillion in January.  This marks the fourth consecutive monthly increase, following 20 months of decline.  Total credit was $170 billion below its July 2008 peak. 
• The U.S. trade deficit widened by a larger-than-expected $6.0 billion (15%) in January to a level of $46.3 billion.  The 5.2% rise in imports outpaced the 2.7% increase in exports.
• The U.S. Treasury recorded a deficit of $222.5 billion in February.   
• Retail sales rose 1.0% in February.  Excluding autos, sales were up 0.7%.
• Business inventories increased 0.9% in January.
• Initial jobless claims rose 26,000 to 397,000 for the week ended March 5^th.