The data shows an urgent need to strengthen policies at all levels of government and curtail pesticide use.

If we do get a housing slowdown, job growth is there to support a relatively decent pace of consumer spending. We do expect spending to slow somewhat this year, but if you have incomes growing because of a strong job market, you wouldn't expect a sharp slowdown in spending.

On balance, the PPI report was positive. It doesn't show a further rise in inflation.

It seems the New York and the Philly Fed index did a bit of a role reversal: New York was very weak last month and bounced back this month, and there was the opposite pattern with Philly.

When the EPA identifies hazards it should stop their use.

On balance, the PPI report was positive, ... It doesn't show a further rise in inflation.