The U.S. Economy

• Housing starts in April jumped to the highest level since 2007 USA Today
• The median price of an existing home increased to $219,400 in April as sales slowed and the number of existing homes available for sale declined MarketWatch
• Consumer prices increased in April for the third consecutive month, though are down year over year The New York Times

Around the World

• Japan’s economy grew at the fastest pace in over a year BBC
• The United Kingdom slips into deflation for the first time since 1960 CNBC
• Manufacturing in China contracted for the third consecutive month U.S. News

Personal Finance

• Savings rates around the world Vanguard Blog
• Two thirds of Americans do not know what a 529 plan is The Wall Street Journal