Fewer people sought US jobless benefits last week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking U.S. jobless aid fell sharply last week, partially reversing two weeks of big gains that had raised concerns about rising layoffs.

[...] retail sales increased at a healthy clip last month, evidence that steady hiring is encouraging more spending.

According to records from its April meeting, Fed officials will consider boosting the rate for only the second time in nine years at that meeting if the economy keeps improving.