Consumers were feeling more optimistic in March. The Consumer Confidence Index hit 96.2. Consumers surveyed believe current business conditions are good. In March, 24.9% said conditions were good, while 18.8% said conditions were bad. 15% of consumers expect business conditions to improve in the next six months, while 9.2% expect conditions to worsen. (The Conference Board)
 
Home price appreciation in major U.S. cities in January rose 5.7% from the previous year. Price appreciation in Portland was 11.8%. Seattle and San Francisco followed with 10.5% increases. (Case-Schiller Index)
 
A US Bankruptcy Court approved the sale of 29 Haggen stores to Albertsons for $106 million. The Federal Trade Commission had ordered Albertsons just over a year ago to sell off many of those same stores to avoid a monopoly in certain markets as it merged with Safeway. The unions affected by the sale have waived their rights to any claims against Haggen or Albertsons regarding the sale. The two Bend Haggen stores are part of the sale. (OregonLive)
 
Watch out Angies List!  Amazon says customer orders have increased by 20% per month for services like plumbing and handyman repairs since the online retailer launched the platform last year. (Reuters)
 
Oil is up 50 cents at $38.75 a barrel.
 
Gold is flat at $1237 a Troy ounce.
 
With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.