Economic indicators

The last day of the month brings a host of economic indicators, which showed much good news for housing and labor, strong consumer confidence, but mostly softer manufacturing conditions.

Inflation took a step back, according to the Federal Reserve’s favorite indicator, while income edged up in March, ahead of this week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, suggesting the Fed will be able to remain patient on rates.

U.S. consumer sentiment fell less than initially reported in April.

Gross domestic product expanded at a 3.2% annualized rate in the January-March period, according to the Commerce Department.

Manufacturing activity grew more modestly in April, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City announced on Thursday.

March durable goods orders data were well above expectations for an aircraft-led gain, with the headline number rising by 2.7%.

Jobless claims rose 37,000 to 230,000 in the week ended April 20, according to the Labor Department.

Manufacturing growth in the central Atlantic region was weaker than in March, while “service sector activity was robust in April.”

Sales of new U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in March, climbing to a 16-month high.

The region's services sector “continued to expand” at nearly the same pace as the previous month.