New applications for unemployment benefits were reported at 222,000 this week. Claims remain near 40-year lows. (LPL)

Japan's streak of positive GDP growth quarters comes to an end. After eight straight quarters of growth, the longest streak in nearly 30 years, Japan's gross domestic product contracted in the first quarter. (LPL)

According to the Centers for Disease Control US births hit lowest number since 1987: American women are having children at the lowest rate on record, with the number of babies born in the U.S. last year dropping to a 30-year low. 3.85 million babies were born last year, down 2% from 2016.

Argentina's currency stabilized as their central bank declined to support the peso, which has plunged about 16% this month. Argentina is seeking a loan from the IMF and is the Greece of Latin America. (Reuters)

Nordstrom had quarterly profits of 51 cents per share beating estimates by 8 cents. They also beat on sales. But same store sales growth was disappointing. The stock was sinking in early trading. (CNBC)

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.