The U.S. budget experienced a $53.2 billion surplus for December 2013. Retail sales increased 0.2% in December 2013. Business inventories increased 0.4% in November 2013. The producer price index increased 0.4% while core PPI increased 0.3% in December 2013. The consumer price index increased 0.3% while core CPI increased 0.1% in December 2013. Housing starts declined 9.8% in December 2013 to an annualized level of 999,000 units. Building permits decreased 3.0% in December 2013 to an annualized level of 986,000 units. Industrial production increased 0.3% in December 2013. Initial jobless claims fell 2,000 to 326,000 for the week ended 1/11.

• The U.S. budget experienced a $53.2 billion surplus for December 2013. Three months into the fiscal year, the deficit is down 41% from a year ago. Receipts are up 8.0% while outlays are down 7.8%.

• Retail sales increased 0.2% in December 2013. Excluding autos, retail sales were up 0.7%; excluding autos and gas, sales were up 0.6%.

• Business inventories increased 0.4% in November 2013.

• The producer price index increased 0.4% while core PPI increased 0.3% in December 2013.

• The consumer price index increased 0.3% while core CPI increased 0.1% in December 2013.

• Housing starts declined 9.8% in December 2013 to an annualized level of 999,000 units.

• Building permits decreased 3.0% in December 2013 to an annualized level of 986,000 units.

• Industrial production increased 0.3% in December 2013.

• Initial jobless claims fell 2,000 to 326,000 for the week ended January 11th.