Consumer confidence dropped more than previously reported to match the lowest level since 2014, with Americans less upbeat about both current and future conditions in the weeks before the presidential election.

Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes increased in September for a second month in the past three, the National Association of Realtors said Oct. 27 in Washington, signaling that strong job growth and rising wages are supporting housing demand.

Filings for U.S. jobless benefits fell for the first time in three weeks, staying near a four-decade low as employers remain unwilling to part with workers.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose last week by the most since July, after spending several weeks at or near a four-decade low.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits were at a four-decade low over the past two weeks as sales prospects encouraged employers to maintain headcounts.

Getting a signing bonus is often associated with top young athletes. Now, taking a job driving a chemical truck in the United States can earn you a signing bonus of as much as $5,000 — and then there are recruiting bonuses, retention bonuses and safety bonuses.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week to the second-lowest level since 1973, as employers show scant willingness to fire workers amid a tightening labor market.

The number of applications to collect jobless benefits rose less than forecast for  week ended Sept. 24, indicating employers are leery of dismissing workers as the labor market tightens.

Consumer confidence rose in September to the highest level since before the last recession on optimism about the labor market, according to a report from the New York-based Conference Board on Sept. 27.

The number of applications for unemployment benefits barely rose in the week ended Sept. 10, indicating employers remain comfortable with staffing levels.