The U.S. budget deficit in January was $10.4 billion. Retail sales fell 0.4% in January. Business inventories increased 0.5% in December 2013. Overall industrial production fell 0.3% in December 2013. Initial jobless claims rose 8,000 to 339,000 for the week ended 2/8.

• The U.S. budget deficit in January was $10.4 billion. Four months into the fiscal year, the deficit stands at $144 billion, just under half of $290 billion from a year ago.

• Retail sales fell 0.4% in January. Less autos, sales remained unchanged; less autos and gas, sales were down 0.2%.

• Business inventories increased 0.5% in December 2013.

• Overall industrial production fell 0.3% in December 2013.

• Initial jobless claims rose 8,000 to 339,000 for the week ended February 8th.