Markets

• In similar fashion to last week, after trading steady to start the week, the U.S. stock market traded lower at the end of the week. The Wall Street Journal
• The interest rate on the benchmark U.S. Treasury note fell from 2.72% to nearly 2.61% this week and the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond interest rate fell to a nine-month low MarketWatch

U.S. News

• Unemployment claims in the United States have fallen to a seven year low The New York Times
• Consumer sentiment in the United States rose to the highest level since July 2013. MarketWatch

Around the World

• Though the European Central Bank (ECB) has not introduced easing policies to defend against deflation, the ECB vice president indicated a possible scenario is to purchase private assets. Bloomberg Businessweek
• China reports first quarter economic results on April 15. Of interest is whether or not the nation is on path to meet its 2013 7.5% growth target. It has not missed a yearly growth target since 1998. CCTV