Russia’s trade surplus jumped in March, as imports collapsed
April US retail sales slowed down after a big March jump
US small business optimism hit a post-crisis high
UK unemployment hit a five-year low
Euro zone first-quarter GDP growth was disappointing
US student debt continues to grow
…But Americans are still avoiding credit card debt
Japanese first-quarter GDP grew sharply
Brazilian retail sales shrank outright in March
US housing starts jumped, with gains in apartment building
US jobless claims hit a post-crisis low, a very good sign
US inflation rose, on higher gas and food prices
…Amid sharp increases in some items, such as beef
