The cost of living in the U.S. climbed in July at the slowest pace in five months, indicating price pressures remain limited even as the economy picks up.

Factory production increased in July at the fastest pace in five months as capital spending climbed and motor vehicle demand surged, indicating the industry is helping propel the U.S. economy.

Wholesale prices in the U.S. rose at a slower pace in July as fuel costs dropped by the most in eight months.

Applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S. rose more than forecast last week, interrupting a steady decline to pre-recession lows.

Retail sales were little changed in July, the worst performance in six months, as tepid wage growth restrained U.S. consumers.

The average price for regular gasoline at U.S. pumps dropped 5.89 cents to $3.52 in the past two weeks, according to Lundberg Survey Inc.

The productivity of U.S. workers rose more than projected in the second quarter, rebounding from the biggest drop in more than three decades and helping to restrain labor costs.

Fewer Americans filed applications for unemployment benefits last week, sending the average over the past month to an eight-year low, a sign the labor market continues to gain momentum.

The trade deficit in the U.S. unexpectedly narrowed in June, reflecting the biggest drop in imports in a year as the economy moved closer to energy independence.

Deutsche Post AG’s second-quarter profit beat analysts’ estimates as the German parcel business and international express unit of Europe’s largest postal company expanded.