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Beginning construction of U.S. houses climbed to a four-month high in February, led by the strongest pace of single-family homebuilding in nearly a decade.

The U.S. cost of living rose in February, while prices increased from a year ago by the most since March 2012, reinforcing the view that inflation is in line with the Federal Reserve’s goal.

Optimism among CEOs of some of the largest U.S. companies jumped in the first quarter by the most since the economy was emerging from the latest recession, as the outlook for sales, the labor market and investment brightened considerably.

U.S. producer prices rose in February more than forecast, while costs increased from a year earlier by the most since March 2012, signaling inflation is picking up, a Labor Department report showed March 14 in Washington.

Applications for U.S. jobless benefits rebounded last week from a 44-year low, returning to a range that still shows strength in the labor market.

The United States chalked up its largest trade deficit since March 2012 as a jump in merchandise imports in January exceeded a smaller gain in shipments overseas.

Consumer spending rose less than projected in January as rising prices pinched Americans’ wallets, leading inflation-adjusted purchases to fall by the most since 2009.

The U.S. economy grew in the fourth quarter at a 1.9% pace, unchanged from an initial estimate, as slower investment by businesses and state and local agencies offset stronger household purchases.

Orders for U.S. durable goods rebounded in January, a sign companies remained upbeat at the start of the year.

Busy storefronts and an inflation pickup show the world’s largest economy is starting 2017 much the same way it ended 2016: driven by the consumer.