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Builders broke ground on more homes in July
WASHINGTON — U.S. developers broke ground on new homes at a faster pace in July. But the rise was all due to apartment construction, which is typically volatile. By contrast, […]
Franchot: Starting school after Labor Day would help economy
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland’s comptroller on Thursday called on schools to start after Labor Day in hopes of boosting the state’s economy, citing a report projecting a delay in beginning the […]
Average rate on 30-year U.S. mortgage stays 4.4 pct.
WASHINGTON — Average rates on U.S. long-term fixed mortgages remained steady for a second straight week, giving prospective home buyers more time to lock in historically low levels. Mortgage buyer […]
U.S. homebuilder confidence nears 8-year high
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders is at its highest level in nearly eight years, fueled by optimism that demand for new homes will drive sales growth into next year. The brighter […]
Consumer prices tick up as inflation stays mild
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer prices rose only slightly last month as gas costs increased more slowly. Overall, the figures showed that inflation remains mild. The Labor Department said Thursday that […]
Fewest Americans since 2007 seek jobless benefits
WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits dropped 15,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 320,000, the fewest since October 2007 — a sign of dwindling layoffs and […]
Average credit card debt per borrower dips in 2Q
LOS ANGELES — Americans remain stingy about carrying credit card balances and are making more of an effort to make timely payments, trends that have helped whittle the rate of […]
Retail sales up 0.2 percent in July
WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales edged up in July despite a drop in auto sales. A category of purchases that excludes the most volatile areas rose by the most in […]
Budget deficit down 37.6 percent through July
WASHINGTON — The government on Monday reported a $97.6 billion deficit for July but remains on track to post its lowest annual budget gap in five years. July’s figure raises […]
Delaney plans to push for minimum wage boost in Md.
GAITHERSBURG — Rep. John Delaney is planning to push for a minimum wage increase in Maryland. Delaney said Monday raising the minimum wage is one of the most direct ways […]
Wholesale stockpiles fell 0.2 percent in June
WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesalers cut their stockpiles in June for a third straight month even as their sales rose again. Businesses may need to speed up restocking if demand continues […]
Retailers see slow start to back-to-school season
NEW YORK — Shoppers are holding off on back-to-school shopping, and those who delay long enough might be rewarded with some steep discounts from desperate retailers. Revenue at stores open […]
