PM Abbott talks up economic data

Tony Abbott has taken aim at economic pessimists, saying they are selectively quoting figures.

A widening trade deficit and retail figures below expectation are seen as evidence of a sluggish economy but the prime minister says 0.9 per cent growth for the March quarter was a strong result.

"Pessimism is a very self-defeating emotion ... these are good figures and we should make the most of them," Mr Abbott told reporters in Sydney.