Jobs

   The unemployment rate in the U.S. dipped to 4.4 percent in April, its lowest in ten years, according the government data, as 211,000 new jobs were added to American payrolls.
   Meanwhile, the average for hourly pay grew by 0.3 percent, and personal income and disposable personal income also rose.
   The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that jobless rates were lower in March in 336 of 388 metro areas throughout the U.S., higher in 38 and unchanged in just 14.
   Separately, the Commerce Department said the international trade deficit narrowed in March. Also, the Federal Reserve Board said the nationwide labor market "has continued to strengthen, even as economic activity slowed." First quarter growth was 0.7 percent, down from the fourth quarter rate of 2.1 percent.
   All things considered, things are looking OK, and companies are hiring.