Transportation Economy News Updates

America’s factories cranked it up in October, according to the latest regional manufacturing indexes.

The U.S. homeownership rate rose for the second time this year as improving employment drove demand for property purchases.

U.S. consumer confidence rose more than expected in October to the highest in almost 17 years as Americans grew more confident about the economy and job market, according to figures Oct. 31 from the New York-based Conference Board.

Home-price gains in 20 U.S. cities accelerated in August amid tight inventories and steady economic growth, figures from S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller showed Oct. 31.

U.S. employment costs picked up in the third quarter from the previous three months, helped in part by faster wage gains in manufacturing, the Labor Department said Oct. 31.

Consumer sentiment climbed in October to the highest level since the start of 2004 as households grew upbeat about the outlook for the U.S. economy, a University of Michigan survey showed Oct. 27.

The U.S. economy expanded at a faster pace than forecast in the third quarter, indicating resilient demand from consumers and businesses even with the hit from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Commerce Department data showed Oct. 27.

Americans’ confidence held steady last week, remaining near the highest level of the expansion, as faith in the buying climate improved while views on the economy deteriorated, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Oct. 26.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose last week from the lowest level since 1973, consistent with a steady job market, Labor Department figures showed Oct. 26.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a four-month high as imports rose for the first time since April, according to preliminary figures released Oct. 26 by the Commerce Department. The report also showed inventories increased at wholesalers and fell at retailers.