The prices paid by American consumers rose 0.5% in March, mainly because of higher gas and grocery costs, according to the latest government data. See full story.
New York manufacturing gauge best in a year
Business conditions for New York manufacturers in April turn out to be the best in a year: The New York Fed’s Empire State survey of executives show a surge in new orders. See full story.
Finland election could spark euro jitters
Finnish politics rarely set the agenda in international financial markets, but the rise of the anti-bailout True Finns party means investors can’t ignore Finland’s Sunday election. See full story.
China data signal further room to tighten policy
China’s consumer inflation accelerates in March to its fastest rate in almost three years, slightly ahead of expectations, while other data show the pace of economic growth little changed, signalling China has scope for policy tightening to help curb price gains. See full story.
China data spark tightening fear, spook Asia
Most Asian stocks fall after Chinese economic growth rate and inflation rose faster-than-expected, sparking fresh worries more interest rate increases could soon follow. Indian stocks also slump on rate hike fears and weak Infosys results. See full story.
MARKETWATCH COMMENTARY
The stock market over the week prior to Tax Day does indeed appear to perform better, on average, than it does during other weeks of the calendar. See full story.
MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE
We all may not be millionaires but there are plenty of financial and life-planning secrets we can learn from the well-heeled.
