Economic indicators

U.S. consumer sentiment rose more than expected as optimism picked up for incomes and the economy, suggesting support for growth in coming months.

U.S. factory production slumped for a second month in February, missing forecasts for a pickup, indicating headwinds from the trade war to slower global growth are weighing on manufacturers.

Business activity “grew only slightly in New York State,” according to the March Empire State Manufacturing Survey.

Sales of new U.S. homes in January fell to the weakest pace since October, driven by a decline in the Midwest as still-elevated prices keep buyers on the sidelines.

Import prices rose 0.6% in February, the largest rise since May, compared with expectations for a 0.4% gain.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose to a four-week high and exceeded estimates, a sign the labor market may be softening somewhat even as it remains strong overall.

Construction spending was up 1.3% in January.

Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment rebounded in January.

The February PPI data were below expectations, lowering the year-over-year rates slightly

Optimism among small companies in the U.S. improved in February, snapping a five-month losing streak that was the longest in two decades on brighter views of future conditions.