Some important economic barometers and commentary, mostly pointing to a slowdown in the overall economy, below.

• L. Josh Bevins, Economic Policy Institute -- GDP growth continues deceleration
• John Irons, Center for American Progress -- April Job Growth Disappoints
• CBO -- Federal Fiscal Performance: Monthly Budget Review
• Bureau of Economic Analysis -- 1Q07 GDP growth factors summarized:

The deceleration in real GDP growth in the first quarter primarily reflected a downturn in exports, an upturn in imports, a deceleration for nondurable goods, and a downturn in federal government spending that were partly offset by a smaller decrease in private inventory investment, an upturn in equipment and software, a smaller decrease in residential fixed investment, and an acceleration for durable goods.