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U.S. retail sales unexpectedly fell in February for a third month, adding to signs that consumer spending will cool this quarter from the previous period’s hot pace, according to Commerce Department figures released March 14.

The U.S. labor market still has plenty of room to run. That’s the message from government data on March 9, which gave multiple indications America’s jobs situation isn’t as tight as previously thought, sending stocks and bond yields higher.

A full-blown trade war could cost the global economy $470 billion, according to Bloomberg Economics.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose by more than anticipated from a 48-year low while continuing to signal a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed March 8.

The strength of oil consumption took analysts by surprise last year, and played a big role in crude’s recovery to a three-year high in January.

Companies in the U.S. added more workers in February than expected, underscoring continued strengthening in the labor market, according to data released March 7 from the ADP Research Institute.

The U.S. trade deficit widened more than forecast in January to a post-recession high, adding to figures cited by President Donald Trump as evidence of American weakness while he brings the nation to the brink of a trade war.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the Trump administration isn’t trying to provoke a global trade fight with the steel and aluminum tariffs announced last week.

President Trump suggested March 5 he may end steel tariffs on Mexico and Canada if they give him better trade terms while re-negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.

U.S. service industries expanded in February near the fastest pace in at least a decade, signaling the economy is on track for steady growth this quarter, according to a survey from the Institute for Supply Management on March 5.