Consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in August, showing a brightening in Americans’ moods as the labor market gains traction.

Consumer spending in the U.S. dropped in July for the first time in six months, a sign households are lagging behind as wages fail to accelerate.

Business activity in the Chicago area climbed in August as orders accelerated, a sign that manufacturing will continue to add momentum to the economy.

The economy in the U.S. expanded more than previously forecast in the second quarter, propelled by the biggest gain in business investment in more than two years, which bodes well for the rest of 2014.

Contracts to purchase previously owned homes rose more than forecast in July, a sign of renewed momentum in residential real estate.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits was little changed last week, near the lowest level in seven years as employers held on to staff in an improving economy.

Prince Rupert, a remote port luring tourists with the slogan “Where Canada’s Wilderness Begins,” may want to consider a new motto: “Asia’s Gateway to Chicago.”

Consumer confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly climbed in August to the highest level in almost seven years, reinforcing signs of a strengthening outlook for the second half of 2014.

Orders for U.S. durable goods jumped in July by the most on record as bookings surged for commercial aircraft. Demand for business equipment eased after the biggest gain in seven months.

New-home sales in the U.S. fell unexpectedly in July for the second month as the housing recovery makes only fitful progress.