A pickup in consumer confidence to the second-highest level since late 2000 provide a basis for steady gains in spending, according to figures Aug. 29 from the New York-based Conference Board.
August 29, 2017Business
Lean Inventory Drives Home-Price Gain in 20 US Cities
Steady growth in home prices in 20 U.S. cities in June reflects a limited number of available houses for sale, according to S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller data released Aug. 29. Nationwide, values posted their largest advance in three years.
August 29, 2017BusinessFuel
Harvey Could Have Deep Impact on Texas Oil, US Economy
Massive flooding caused by Tropical Storm Harvey along Texas’ refinery-rich coast could have long-standing and far-reaching consequences for the state’s oil and gas industry and the larger U.S. economy.
August 27, 2017Business
Rise in Business Equipment Orders Signals Steady Investment
An increase in U.S. orders for business equipment last month and the biggest gain since February in such sales indicate improving demand at the start of the third quarter, Commerce Department data showed Aug. 25.
August 25, 2017Business
Sales of Previously Owned Homes Decline to 11-Month Low
An unexpected decline in sales of previously owned U.S. homes last month to the lowest level since August 2016 indicates rising prices and lean inventories are impeding faster growth in the housing market, National Association of Realtors data showed on Aug. 24. The July figure was depressed by weakness in the Midwest and Northeast.
August 24, 2017Business
Consumer Comfort Is at a 16-Year High
Consumer confidence, including views about the U.S. economy, advanced again last week to a 16-year high, indicating spending will remain solid, according to Bloomberg Consumer Comfort data released Aug. 24.
August 24, 2017Business
Factory Output in Declines on Weaker Auto Production
A slump in motor vehicle production pushed down U.S. factory output unexpectedly in July, Federal Reserve data showed Aug. 17.
August 17, 2017Business
Jobless Claims Decrease to Lowest Level Since February
A strengthening labor market remains an engine for U.S. growth as the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped to the lowest since February, Labor Department data showed Aug. 17.
August 17, 2017Business
Housing Starts Fell in July on Apartment Building Slowdown
U.S. housing starts stumbled in July on an abrupt slowdown in apartment construction and a modest decline in single-family homebuilding that shows the industry will do little to spur the economy, Commerce Department data showed Aug. 16.
August 16, 2017Business
Homebuilder Sentiment Reaches Three-Month High in August
Sentiment among American homebuilders unexpectedly increased to a three-month high as builders saw greater prospects for industry demand despite elevated material costs and shortages of labor and lots, according to data Aug. 15 from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
August 15, 2017