By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Americans stepped up their spending at retail businesses in September, reflecting higher consumer confidence. The increase was driven by another strong month of auto sales and the release of the iPhone5.
The U.S. trade deficit shrank in April, but only because a big drop in imports offset the first decline in U.S. exports in five months.
At the start of the critical holiday shopping season, the economy received a dose of mixed news Wednesday.
"With growth in Asia cooling, Europe in recession and the U.S. dollar strengthening, exports are likely in for another rough ride over the next year," said James Marple, senior economist at TD Economics.
Marple noted that the dollar's strength could benefit U.S. consumers, who are also paying less for gasoline.
