Gas Pump Handles To Lose 'boots'

Retailers report modest gains for April

NEW YORK -- A sharp decline in the price of oil this month is making gasoline cheaper at a time of year when it typically gets more expensive. It's a relief to motorists and business owners and a positive development for the economy.Over the past three weeks, the price of oil has fallen by 9 percent to $89 a barrel. That has helped extend a slide in gasoline prices that began in late February.    

The Obama administration has declined to label China a currency manipulator, although it says China's currency remains significantly undervalued.

If the extraction process is successful, it could provide enough energy to meet the country’s gas consumption needs for 14 years, experts say.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Brennan as the Obama administration's next Central Intelligence Agency director, overcoming concerns expressed by Republicans and some Democrats about the administration's use of lethal drone strikes.