Unemployment rates fell last week and consumer confidence improved. The number of people filing for unemployment payments fell, declining to levels not seen in approximately seven years. Firings are also declining as many companies are preparing for an increase in sales due to the recovering economy. Manufacturing has also improved, showing more signs of a healthier and continually improving U.S. economy. Brian Jones, senior U.S. economist at Societe Generale said, “the labor market is getting better, you’re going to see it improve further as we go through the balance of the year.” More here