Sign In
Free Newsletter
Factories, builders boost economy at end of year
WASHINGTON — U.S. manufacturers ended 2011 with their best month of growth since the late spring. And the struggling construction industry spent more on projects for the third time in […]
Consumer confidence index surges in December
Americans are gaining faith that the economy is on the upswing. An improving job outlook helped the Consumer Confidence Index soar to the highest level since April and near a […]
Average 30-year mortgage rate a record 3.91 pct.
WASHINGTON — The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to a record 3.91 percent this week, the third time this year that rates have hit new lows. Freddie […]
Consumer prices were unchanged in November
WASHINGTON — Consumer prices stayed flat in November, further evidence that inflation has cooled off. Energy costs dropped for the second straight month, which offset higher prices that Americans paid […]
Wholesale prices up a modest 0.3 pct. in November
WASHINGTON — Wholesale prices rose a modest 0.3 percent last month as U.S. companies paid more for such items as food and pharmaceuticals. But energy prices barely rose, keeping inflation […]
Consumer spending climbs slightly in October
WASHINGTON — Consumers barely increased their spending in October but their incomes rose by the most in seven months. The rise in take-home pay could boost spending during the upcoming […]
Economy gets mixed batch of news ahead of holidays
WASHINGTON — At the start of the critical holiday shopping season, the economy received a dose of mixed news Wednesday. Consumers barely increased their spending in October, and businesses pulled […]
October home sales rose 1.4 percent but still weak
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who bought previously occupied homes rose slightly last month but remained at depressed levels. And more deals are being canceled at the last minute, […]
Leading indicators rise 0.9 percent in October
WASHINGTON — A gauge of future economic activity rose at solid pace in October, offering hope that the economy may see stronger growth in coming months. The Conference Board reported […]
Economy shows signs of health after summer slump
WASHINGTON — A gauge of future economic activity edged up at a slower pace in September, signaling only modest economic growth in coming months. The Conference Board reported Thursday that […]
Food and gas lift Consumer Price Index 0.3%
WASHINGTON — Consumers paid more for food and gas last month, although inflation outside those volatile categories was tame. The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3 percent […]
Social Security recipients to get 3.6 percent more
WASHINGTON — Some 55 million Social Security recipients will get a 3.6 percent increase in benefits next year, their first raise since 2009, the government announced Wednesday. The increase, which […]
