US exports hit a record high in March, returning to levels not seen since before the global financial crisis.

US exports grew 4.6% in March to USD 172.7 billion, surpassing the record set in July 2008 before world trade took a sharp downturn. The March export rise was the biggest month-to-month gain in 17 years, the Commerce Department said in a report on Wednesday. (MoneyControl)

Jobs Continue to Increase

U.S. companies are hiring. In March, job openings rose by 99,000 to 3.1 million, the Labor Department said — the most since September 2008 and the second straight monthly increase. The number rose 14 percent since January with businesses adding more than 200,000 jobs each month from February to April, the best three-month showing in five years. (AP News)

Retail Sales up for 10th Straight Month –

Sales at U.S. retailers increased for the 10th straight month in April. Compared with April 2010, sales are up 7.6%. (Market Watch)