THE ECONOMY

British Report Good Economic News: The British government had its best economic news in months, with upbeat figures on retail sales and trade that indicated that the recession may be ending. Record exports helped boost Britain’s current trade account to a $38.6-million surplus in June from an $880-million deficit in May, the Central Statistical Office said. It was the first time the trade account has been in the black since February, 1987. Retail sales rose an unexpected 1.3% in June, fueling hopes that a long-heralded consumer-led recovery may start by the end of the year.