U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose in August after declining a month earlier, as consumer demand for goods broadly held up but showed signs of moderating amid historic inflation.

A measure of U.S. producer prices fell for a second month in August as fuel costs continued to retreat, though an underlying measure of wholesale costs solidified a sign of persistent inflation in the production pipeline.

The U.S. trade deficit shrank for a fourth straight month in July, reflecting a decline in the value of imports and a slight pickup in exports that are seen helping provide a lift to third-quarter economic growth.

U.S. business activity contracted for a second straight month in August, reflecting softer demand at both manufacturers and service providers and adding to concerns about the health of the overall economy.

Productivity slumped for a second straight quarter as the economy shrank, driving another surge in labor costs that risks keeping inflation elevated and further complicates the Federal Reserve’s efforts to tame price increases.

Orders placed with U.S. factories for durable goods rose more than expected in May, suggesting business investment so far remains firm even in the face of rising interest rates and mounting concerns about the economy.

U.S. job openings fell in April from a record in the prior month though remained elevated at about double the number of unemployed Americans, suggesting little relief for employers struggling to attract and retain workers.

U.S. productivity dropped in the first quarter by the most since 1947 as the economy shrank, while labor costs surged and illustrated an extremely tight job market.

U.S. employment costs jumped by the most on record at the start of the year, heightening concerns about persistent inflation that set the stage for more forceful policy action by the Federal Reserve.

U.S. consumer prices surged in January by more than expected, sending the annual inflation rate to a fresh four-decade high and adding more urgency to the Federal Reserve’s plans to start raising interest rates.