Construction of new homes in the United States unexpectedly fell in September on a plunge in multifamily building while permits rose more than forecast, in signs of fitful progress in residential real estate.

Output at U.S. manufacturers rose for the third time in four months on production of consumer goods and construction materials, a sign the industry is recovering from a prolonged spell of weakness.

U.S. manufacturing expanded at a modest pace in September after unexpectedly shrinking a month earlier, underscoring limited progress for the battered sector.

America’s service industries expanded in August at the weakest pace in six years, joining manufacturers in an abrupt slowdown that may signal waning optimism about the economy.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in July more than forecast as the value of shipments to overseas customers reached a 10-month high.

Orders for business equipment climbed in July for a second month, advancing the most since January and indicating U.S. companies are becoming less reluctant to invest.

The U.S. trade deficit widened in June to an almost one-year high as the price of oil jumped and American companies imported more consumer goods.

The number of applications for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, reaching a three-month low, indicating the labor market remains steady.

Manufacturing in the United States last month posted the strongest advance since January, helped by automobile production and a sign domestic demand is improving.

Orders for U.S. business equipment unexpectedly declined in May by the most in three months, pointing to weakness in investment even before the likely damage to confidence stemming from U.K. voters’ decision to leave the European Union.