Household spending rose less than forecast in September, showing the biggest part of the U.S. economy ended a strong quarter on a weak note.

The U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace in the third quarter as companies took advantage of gains in consumer and business spending to reduce bloated stockpiles.

The number of Americans submitting applications for jobless benefits unexpectedly declined last week to match the fewest in four decades.

Filings for unemployment benefits in the United States declined last week to the lowest level since mid-July, extending a run of applications near decade lows that shows dismissals remain in check.

The U.S. trade deficit widened in August by the most in five months as imports picked up and weaker overseas growth limited sales to customers abroad.

Contract signings to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly declined in August for just the second time this year, signaling residential real estate might have difficulty building on recent momentum.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes fell more than forecast in August, representing a pause in momentum this year for residential real estate.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose more than forecast to an eight-week high, representing a pause in a trend of more muted firings.

Companies in the United States added 190,000 workers to payrolls in August, figures from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, New Jersey, showed Sept. 2.