Consumer confidence surges in March to highest point in year
U.S. consumer confidence surged in March to the highest reading in a year, helped by increased vaccinations and more government economic support. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)WASHINGTON โ U.S. consumer confidence surged in March to the highest reading in a year, helped by increased vaccinations and more government economic support. The Conference Board said Tuesday its consumer confidence index rose to 109.7 in March, the best showing since it stood at 118.8 in March of last year as the pandemic was beginning to hit the United States. Most economists are forecasting strong growth in coming quarters, powered by a surge in consumer confidence and consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity. โThis should support hearty consumer spending and pave the way for a mini-boom in economic activity this spring and summer.โ
Pro-Trump GOP chair steps down in Ohio, may seek Senate seat
FILEIn this file photo from Oct. 6, 2020, Jane Timken, the Chairwoman of the Ohio Republican Party, speaks at the Hamilton County Board of Elections during early voting in Norwood, Ohio. Timken, who has been linked closely to Donald Trump, stepped down Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 as the party's chair, a signal of her interest in running for the U.S. Senate for the seat being left by the GOP's Rob Portman. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)CINCINNATI โ An Ohio Republican linked closely to Donald Trump stepped down Friday as the partyโs chair, a signal of her interest in running for the U.S. Senate for the seat being left by the GOPโs Rob Portman. With Trumpโs backing, Jane Timken took over the party leadership from a state chair allied with former Gov. In her last Tweet before her announcement, Timken criticized Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, an Ohio Republican, for voting for Trump's impeachment.