U.S. new home sales jumped 7.1% in August, as low mortgage rates pull buyers into the housing market. The Commerce Department said Sept. 25 that new homes sales increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 713,000, up from a revised 666,000 in July.

WASHINGTON — U.S. factory activity shrank in August for the first time since August 2016, a sign that the trade war with China is weighing down a crucial sector of the economy.

WASHINGTON — Sales of new U.S. homes fell a sharp 12.8% in July as higher prices and limited inventory sidelined would-be buyers.

WASHINGTON — U.S. housing starts fell 4% in July, driven by a decline in the construction of apartment buildings.