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Economists see more reasons for optimism this year
NEW YORK — Economists are increasingly confident that some pillars of the U.S. economy will improve this year, but they still remain cautious in their expectations on the overall pace […]
New-home sales dip after 4 straight monthly gains
WASHINGTON — Sales of new homes dipped in January but the final quarter of 2011 was stronger than first estimated. The Commerce Department said Friday that new-home sales fell 0.9 […]
Home sales at highest level since May 2010
WASHINGTON — The housing market is flashing signs of health ahead of the spring-buying season. Sales of previously occupied homes are at their highest level since May 2010. More first-time […]
Fewer seek unemployment aid as job market improves
WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to a level that signaled a steadily improving job market. The figures came one day before the government […]
UM launches new environmental research center
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland officials are launching a new kind of environmental and policy center. Gov. Martin O’Malley and Sen. Barbara Mikulski will be among the officials celebrating the University of […]
More seek unemployment aid, but trend is positive
WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to a seasonally adjusted 377,000, up from a nearly four-year low the previous week. But the longer-term trend […]
Forecasters see small pickup in growth for 2012
LOS ANGELES — A new economic forecast calls for the U.S. economy to make some modest growth strides this year, but not quite enough to significantly reduce the number of […]
Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89 pct.
WASHINGTON — Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes. But few are able […]
Retail sales inched up in December, ending record year
WASHINGTON — Retail sales barely rose in December, but the gain was enough to lift sales to a record level for 2011. It marked the largest annual increase in more […]
Unemployment benefit applications jump to 399,000
WASHINGTON — Applications for weekly unemployment benefits spiked last week, largely because companies let go of thousands of workers after the holiday season. Weekly applications rose by 24,000 to a […]
Rate on 30-year mortgage down to record 3.91 pct.
WASHINGTON — 2012 looks to be another year of opportunity for the few who can afford to buy or refinance a home. The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage […]
Fewer Americans sought unemployment aid last week
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell further last week, ending the year on a three-month run of declines that point to stronger hiring in 2012. Weekly […]
