April 2017 Real-World Employment Conditions Continued in
Annual Decline at a Pace Not Seen Since the Depths of the 2009 Collapse

First-Quarter Real Merchandise Trade Deficit Narrowed Minimally versus
What Had Been on Track for a Minimal Widening

Despite a Decline in March, First-Quarter Construction Spending Surged with
Massive, Upside Monthly Revisions to January and February Activity

Real Construction Spending Remained 21.1% (-21.1%) Shy of Recovering its
Pre-Recession Peak, Still Holding in Low-Level Stagnation