American consumer confidence rose to the highest level in more than a year in September, as households’ views on the outlook for the economy brightened.

Sales at retailers climbed in August at the fastest pace in four months and prior readings were revised up, boosting prospects for U.S. economic growth this quarter.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week to a two-month high, interrupting a steady decrease to the lowest level since before the last recession.

Visteon Corp., the auto-parts maker that was once a unit of Ford Motor Co., is exploring a plan to split into two companies, one focused on electronics and the other on climate controls, people familiar with the matter said.

Consumer borrowing in the U.S. rose more than forecast in July as non-revolving loans including those for cars climbed by the most in three years.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government is looking for ways to encourage electric bikes to replace trucks for local freight shipments in Germany.

U.S. workers’ productivity rose in the second quarter at a slower rate than previously estimated, the Labor Department reported.

Service providers expanded in August at the fastest pace in nine years, a sign of growing momentum in the broadest sector of the U.S. economy.

The trade deficit in the U.S. narrowed in July to the lowest level in six months as exports climbed to a record.

Applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. were little changed last week as an improving economy prompted businesses to retain staff.