The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in March as demand for imports fell by the largest amount since the last recession was ending. Analysts forecast that trade would continue to be one of the economy's few bright spots this year.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in March as demand for imports fell by the largest amount since the last recession was ending.

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down slightly this week, but remained above 6 percent for the third straight week.

Consumer borrowing rose in March at the fastest pace in four months, more than double the increase of the previous month, in what was seen as a sign of rising economic stress.

Worker productivity rose by a better-than-expected amount in the first three months of the year while labor cost pressures eased.

U.S. factories saw demand for their products rebound in March, following a two-month slump.

Construction spending dropped sharply in March, with housing activity plunging by the largest amount on record.

The number of newly laid off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits soared last week.

Employers' costs to hire and retain workers grew at a slower pace in the first three months of this year.

Consumer inflation pushed higher last month as increases in energy, food and airline tickets overwhelmed the biggest drop in clothing prices in nearly a decade.

Consumers, beset by a credit crunch, rising energy and food costs and a prolonged housing slump, stayed away from the malls in March. Retail sales posted only a small increase.

The U.S. trade deficit in November surged to the highest level in 14 months, reflecting record imports of foreign oil. The deficit with China declined slightly while the weak dollar boosted exports to another record high.

Orders to U.S. factories jumped in November by the largest amount in four months, but a key gauge of investment fell for a second straight month, raising new worries about the strength of manufacturing.

The economy grew at a slower pace in the late fall as shoppers watched their pennies heading into the busy holiday season.

Retail sales managed a small increase in October as consumers struggled with falling confidence caused by a steep slump in housing and tighter credit conditions.