Japan retail sales rise at fastest pace in 17 years before tax hike

(Reuters) - Japanese retail sales rose in March at their fastest pace in 17 years as consumers went on a shopping spree before a national sales tax hike took effect on April 1, setting the stage for a decline in consumer spending the following month.

US economic growth likely slowed in third quarter

WASHINGTON: US economic growth is likely languishing in the second half of 2013, held back by federal policies and a slowdown in hiring that has kept consumers from stepping up spending.