Pep Boys has agreed to be acquired by Carl Icahn for more than $1 billion after Bridgestone Corp. backed down from a bidding war with the billionaire investor.

Home values in 20 U.S. cities rose at a faster pace in the year ended October as lean inventories of available properties combined with steadily improving demand.

Consumer confidence rebounded more than forecast in December as Americans grew more optimistic about the current state of the economy and job market.

Orders for U.S. business equipment climbed more than forecast in October, indicating steady domestic demand is encouraging corporate investment even as global sales waver.

Household spending rose less than forecast in October, showing the biggest part of the U.S. economy was off to a slow start heading into the holiday-shopping season.

Applications for unemployment benefits fell more than forecast last week as claims moved closer to a four-decade low that shows a resilient labor market.

The U.S. economy expanded at a faster pace in the third quarter than previously reported, reflecting a smaller hit from efforts to rein in bloated inventories.

Home prices in 20 U.S. cities climbed more than forecast in September from the same month last year, signaling residential real estate is sustaining momentum.