Retail sales increased by 0.6% in February Basic sales earn 0.5%; a large tax refund guarantees spending Production increases in March, but the supply chain continues to deteriorate WASHINGTON, April 1 (Reuters) – U.S. retail prices rose by the most in seven months in February as car prices rose and temperatures soared, but rising gasoline … Read more
The winners are thin on the ground now. In a case of bad timing, US President Donald Trump last week planned Easter Monday as the day he would “raise hell” if Iran’s leaders reject his latest peace plan. Iran war updates: For the latest on the Middle East conflict, read our blog. It was after … Read more
The price of Brent crude oil is on track for its biggest monthly gain recorded in March after the Iran conflict sent markets into turmoil. Brent crude, the international benchmark, has risen 51% since the start of March, LSEG data show, hitting a monthly record of 46% in September 1990 after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, … Read more
Rising oil prices tend to drive up grocery costs, but that doesn’t mean consumers should rush out and save money, economists say. Brent crude has soared above $100 a barrel in recent weeks – after trading near $60 in January – as Iran’s war worsens the Strait of Hormuz, which transports a fifth of the … Read more