Retail Sales Top Estimates as Core Measure Up Most in Year
U.S. retail sales topped forecasts in November as a key measure jumped by the most in a year and October figures were revised higher, indicating consumers are giving a bigger boost to the economy than expected this quarter.
Jobless Claims Fall to 12-Week Low Amid Tight Labor Market
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest since September, returning to hover near an almost five-decade low and signaling the labor market remains tight after what some economists saw as possible cooling signs.
Service Industries Expand to Near-Record Level in November
A gauge of U.S. service industries unexpectedly rose in November to a near-record level amid gains in business activity and new orders, adding to indications that the sector remains robust in the fourth quarter.
Manufacturing Gauge Tops Estimates as Jobs, Orders Rebound
A gauge of U.S. manufacturing rebounded in November as new orders picked up and companies added workers, indicating that factories remain relatively healthy in the fourth quarter.
New-Home Sales Fall in October, Missing Projections
Sales of new U.S. homes fell in October to the weakest pace since March 2016 as rising borrowing costs and elevated prices keep buyers out of the market.
Consumer Confidence Cools in November From 18-Year High
U.S. consumer confidence fell in November for the first time in five months, cooling from an 18-year high, as optimism dimmed for business conditions and incomes.
Homebuilder Confidence Drops by Most Since 2014
Confidence among U.S. homebuilders plummeted by the most since 2014 as the highest borrowing costs in eight years restrained demand, adding to signs of a cooling housing market that will weigh on the Federal Reserve’s debate over how far to raise interest rates.
Retail Sales Rise Most in Five Months on Autos, Fuel
U.S. retail sales rose in October by the most in five months on purchases of autos, fuel and building materials, rebounding after Hurricane Florence may have depressed demand in September.
Factories Paying More to Hire and Keep Staff
Most U.S. manufacturers are paying workers more to keep production humming amid a shortage of skilled labor —and it’s working.
Business-Spending Slowdown Casts Shadow on Solid GDP Report
Consumers drove the U.S. economy to better-than-expected growth in the third quarter, but a steep slowdown in business spending raised concerns about whether the strength in the expansion is sustainable.