Fewer Americans than forecast filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that a steady labor market will bolster U.S. growth.

Prices paid by American households declined in August as cheaper gasoline helped keep inflation below the objective of Federal Reserve policymakers.

Wholesale prices in the United States were little changed in August, restrained by lower fuel costs that signal inflation will remain weak.

Fewer Americans lined up last week to file for jobless benefits, highlighting the persistent strength of the labor market.

Growth at service industries from retailers to restaurants hovered in August near the strongest in a decade, a sign U.S. demand was buoyant in the face of financial-market turmoil.

Consumer purchases climbed in July as incomes grew, showing the biggest part of the U.S. economy was off to a good start to the quarter.

The economy grew more than previously estimated in the second quarter on bigger gains in consumer and business spending that show the U.S. expansion got back on track.

Purchases of new homes in the United States rebounded in July, bolstering signs the real estate market is picking up.

Consumer confidence in the United States stabilized last week as more favorable views on the economy helped make up for a deterioration in attitudes about the buying climate.

Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in July to the highest level since February 2007, consistent with further strength in the housing market.