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Service companies expanded in April at the fastest pace in four months, signaling the U.S. economy is firming up after a weak start to the year.

There is one positive aspect of U.S. manufacturing’s recent performance. While uninspiring, the rate of growth is broadening to include almost all types of producers.

Manufacturing expanded at a slower pace than forecast in April as factories continued to grapple with lax global demand and fallout from a weakened U.S. energy industry.

The U.S. economy expanded in the first quarter at the slowest pace in two years as American consumers reined in spending and companies tightened their belts in response to weak global financial conditions and a plunge in oil prices.

Consumer confidence retreated more than forecast in April as Americans’ optimism about the outlook for the economy and employment waned.

Consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in April to the weakest level in seven months as Americans were rattled by unsatisfying wage growth and concern over how the upcoming presidential election would impact the economy.

The cost of living in the United States excluding food and fuel rose less than forecast in March, bearing out Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s forecast that the recent pickup would prove fleeting.

Consumer comfort inched lower last week, reaching the weakest point in more than three months as Americans’ views of their personal finances deteriorated.

America’s trade deficit widened in February to a six-month high as an increase in imports exceeded a more modest pickup in shipments overseas.