Several big department store chains reported yesterday that April sales were unimpressive.

Chrysler said its total April sales, which rose 23.8 percent to 150,227, were the best in nearly two years.

The auto sales seem especially strong because April 1995 sales were weak.

Most foreign auto makers reported strong April sales today.

That paid off in the first quarter, but there are questions about how long it can be sustained after weak April sales.

The decline in April retail sales is also a sign that the opportunity to raise prices remains limited.

Other numbers in the news included April new-home sales, up 7.6 percent.

The nation's biggest general retailers generally reported yesterday that they had strong April sales.

Well, the March trade deficit and April retail sales will be reported this week.

The April sales were down 2.1 percent from the previous month.