The French economy gained momentum in the first quarter, growing slightly faster than expected thanks to a pick-up in consumer spending and business investment, official data published on Tuesday showed.

Financial Planner and Author Patricia Howard says the whole world is looking at a “fairly dismal outlook” when it comes to inflation.

U.S. monthly inflation rose moderately in March, but stubbornly higher costs for housing and utilities suggested the Federal Reserve could keep interest rates elevated for a while.