United States consumer prices increased by 0.4% in April, down from 0.6% in March with prices of goods such as clothing offsetting higher petrol costs, according to the latest release from the US Labor Department.
The United States trade deficit widened by more than expected in March, as higher oil and petrol prices sent imports to the second-highest level on record.
United States Democratic-controlled Congress wrestled major trade concessions from the Republican administration to make international labor and environment standards binding for US free-trade agreements.
In a move widely expected the United States Federal Reserve kept its main interest rate on hold at 5.25%, but warned that its predominant policy concerns remains the risk that inflation will fail to moderate as expected.
The dollar fell to an all-time low against the euro Friday, after a government report showed the U.S. economy slowed to a real annualized growth rate of 1.3% in the first quarter, marking the weakest expansion in four years.
Plans unveiled by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Earth Day to reduce the strain on natural resources such as water, air and land were warmly embraced by officials with the United Nations department that promotes sustainable development.
Sales of second hand United States homes fell 8.4% in March, the sharpest month-on-month drop for 18 years according to data from the National Association of Realtors released on Tuesday.
Senior former World Bank employees have urged beleaguered president Paul Wolfowitz to resign arguing he can no longer be an effective leader. Wolfowitz has admitted having helped his girlfriend win a promotion and pay rise.
United States Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson weekend statements in support of a strong dollar don't seem to have convinced markets as the greenback looks ready to slide past a two year low against the Euro.
United States and the European Union need to adapt to global changing economic reality and for their own good give up their leadership monopolies at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, according to a report from the Atlantic Council of the United States.