VoicesAbroad

Source:Reuters Published: 2014-4-15 21:13:01

"It shows there is an underlying current of strength in the economy despite the drag from the severe winter weather."

Robert Dye, chief economist at US-based Comerica Bank,

commenting on the fact that US retail sales recorded their largest gain in one and a half years in March, Reuters reported. Monday's upbeat report was the latest to indicate growth was set to accelerate in the second quarter after an unusually cold and snowy winter hobbled activity early in the year. The Department of Commerce said retail sales increased 1.1 percent last month, the biggest gain since September 2012, with receipts rising in nearly all categories. February's increase was raised to 0.7 percent from a previously reported 0.3 percent. Economists had expected retail sales, which account for a third of consumer spending, to advance only 0.8 percent last month.

"We've had a long period after the recession where companies were afraid to invest their capital, and money was going into buybacks and dividends … That's all good, but ultimately you want to see companies invest in their business."

Lew Piantedosi, portfolio manager at US-based asset management firm Eaton Vance Corp,

explaining that major US companies are now being encouraged by investors to buy growth after several years of calls for stock buybacks and dividends, Reuters reported. In a low-growth economy in which earnings gains have trailed a run-up in share prices, investors are ready to endorse big deals if that's what it takes to boost revenue and profits. Stock price gains have made it tough though to find cheap targets. Using their own expensive stocks for deal making may reap companies more benefits than repurchasing shares at what may be the top of the market, some investors say.

"Atmospheric satellites could help bring Internet access to millions of people, and help solve other problems, including disaster relief and environmental damage like deforestation."

Google Inc,

explaining the company has acquired solar-powered drone maker Titan Aerospace as the Web search giant ramps up plans to deliver wireless Internet access to remote parts of the world, Reuters reported. Google's acquisition of Titan comes several weeks after rival Facebook Inc announced plans to build solar-powered drones and satellites capable of beaming Internet access to underdeveloped parts of the world.

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