Overview:  The U.S. trade deficit narrowed $1.2 billion to $45.8 billion in February.  Retail sales were up 0.4% in March.  The topline CPI rose 0.5% in March; the core CPI edged up 0.1%.  The topline PPI increased 0.7%; the core PPI rose 0.3%.  Industrial production increased 0.8% in March.  The U.S. Treasury reported a deficit of $188.2 billion in March.  Business inventories fell 0.5% in February.  Initial jobless claims increased 27,000 to a level of 412,000 for the week ended 4/9.

• The U.S. trade deficit narrowed $1.2 billion to $45.8 billion in February as imports fell by more than exports.  Imports were down $3.6 billion (-1.7%), while exports declined $2.4 billion (-1.4%). 
• Retail sales increased 0.4% in March; excluding autos, sales were up 0.8%.  
• The topline consumer price index increased 0.5% in March while the core CPI edged up 0.1%.  
• The topline produce price index rose 0.7% in March while the core PPI increased 0.3%.  
• Industrial production increased by a greater-than-expected 0.8% in March.  
• The U.S. Treasury reported a deficit of $188.2 billion in March.  
• Business inventories fell 0.5% in February.
• Initial jobless claims increased 27,000 to 412,000 for the week ended April 9^th.  This marks the first time in four weeks that initial claims have been over 400,000.