Economy/Ecommerce

The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales were up 0.6 percent in April from an annualized rate of 4.94 million units to 4.97 million units (including all single-family, condos and co-op residences).

American home values continued to climb in April, according to the latest Zillow Real Estate Market Report.

The Federal Reserve reported in its April “Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices” that domestic banks, on average, are reporting they have eased their lending standards over the past three months and are experiencing stronger demand in several loan categories.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in 40 states and the District of Columbia dropped, while three states experienced increases and seven states had no change in April compared with March.

Housing starts, which have been gaining upward momentum in recent months, took an unexpected dip in April, according to the Census Bureau.

The National Association of Home Builders reported that its housing market index increased three points in May to 44.

The Congressional Budget Office reported in its “Updated Budget Projections: Fiscal Years 2013 to 2023” that the federal budget deficit will shrink in fiscal 2013 to $642 billion, the smallest shortfall since 2008.

The Census Bureau reported that U.S. retail sales were up 0.1 percent month-over-month in April, adjusting for seasonal variations and holidays, but not price changes.