Fed’s new economic forecast paints brighter picture of growth and employment for rest of year

Federal Reserve sees slightly better 2010 economy

Retail sales post surprising 0.3 pct February increase, raising hopes economy gaining momentum

Retail sales rise unexpectedly in February

No sticker shock expected at the pump: gasoline prices will rise, but not much above $3

Gas price rises seen gentler on consumer wallets

Retailers report February sales gains even as they grappled with snowstorms, confidence drop

Retailers report gains for February

NEW YORK — Shoppers shrugged off the snow that hammered much of the country in February to buy spring clothing and other items, resulting in the strongest retail sales gain since November 2007, a month before the recession started.

Highlights from the latest Beige Book economic survey of the Fed’s 12 regional bank districts

Highlights from the Fed’s latest economic survey