U.S. economy on fire

The engine driving much of Canada’s manufacturing output, the United States economy, is firing on all cylinders, as indicated by the latest economic data. Sales among U.S. retailers jumped 1.8% in March, as U.S. consumers bought more than $333 billion worth of goods. The retail sales jump was more than double the amount predicted, leading economists to revise the country’s predicted growth upward. The growth spurt, economists say, means manufacturing production will have to be ramped up, as inventories approach the lowest levels in recent years. First quarter GDP growth in the U.S. is expected to be between 4.5% and 6.0%.