Consumer credit increased 0.85% to $2.542 trillion in March.  The U.S. trade deficit widened 14.1% to $51.8 billion in March.  The topline producer price index declined 0.2% in April while the core PPI increased 0.2%.  The U.S. Treasury reported a surplus of $59.1 billion in April.  Initial jobless claims edged down 1,000 to a level of 367,000 for the week ended 5/5. 

• Consumer credit increased by a greater-than-expected$21.4 billion (0.85%) to $2.542 trillion in March.  Revolving credit (i.e., credit cards) was up $5.2 billion (0.65%) while non-revolving credit (i.e., auto loans) rose $16.2 billion (0.94%). 
• The U.S. trade deficit widened $6.4 billion (14.1%) to $51.8 billion in March.
• The producer price index declined 0.2% in April; the core PPI was up 0.2%.
• The U.S. Treasury reported a surplus of $59.1 billion in April.
• Initial jobless claims edged down 1,000 to a level of 367,000 for the week ended May 5^th.