In other economic news: •Retail sales slip again. The Commerce Department said retail sales dipped 1.1 percent in March. It was the biggest decline in three months and a much weaker showing than the 0.3 percent increase that analysts expected. A big drop in auto sales led the overall slump in demand. Auto sales in March were 23.5 percent below year-ago levels. Sales also plunged at clothing stores, appliance outlets and furniture stores. ...more

April 15, 2009

Inflation at the wholesale level surged unexpectedly in January, reflecting sharply higher prices for gasoline and other energy products. ...more

February 20, 2009

The number of laid-off workers receiving unemployment benefits has jumped to an all-time high near 5 million while new jobless claims remain well above 600,000. Both figures were worse than expected and new projections from the Federal Reserve show unemployment rising for the rest of this year. ...more

February 19, 2009

Inflation is running at the fastest pace in 17 years, the job market is under further strain and foreclosure filings are surging. ...more

August 15, 2008