The cost of living in the United States rose at the fastest pace in five months on energy and shelter prices, a sign inflation is getting closer to the Federal Reserve’s goal.

Retail sales climbed in September by the most in three months, showing American shoppers began to spend freely again after shying away from merchants earlier in the quarter.

American service companies expanded in September at the fastest rate in almost a year, returning the economy’s biggest segment to a steady growth path after a slump in the prior month.

Companies in September added the fewest number of workers in five months, showing the labor market is cooling after strong gains for much of this year, data from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, New Jersey, showed Oct. 5.

Consumer confidence rose in September for the first time in four months as Americans grew more upbeat about the prospects for incomes and persistent low inflation.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits dropped the week ended Sept. 17 to match the lowest level since April, a sign the labor market remains healthy even as hiring moderates.

Sales at U.S. retailers dropped more than forecast in August, indicating a pause in recent consumer-spending strength that has carried the economy.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly dropped to the lowest level in seven weeks, showing employers have little appetite to fire workers.

Sales of previously owned homes dropped more than forecast in July from a nine-year high, restrained by limited choices for buyers, National Association of Realtors data showed Aug. 24.

Purchases of new U.S. homes unexpectedly jumped in July to the highest level in almost nine years, led by soaring demand in the nation’s South and adding to signs of persistent housing-market strength.