Retail Sales in February Post Smallest Gain in Six Months
U.S. retail sales in February posted the smallest gain in six months, indicating a tempering of the consumer spending that’s been carrying the economy.
Labor Market in US Is Getting Better by Almost Any Measure
America’s labor market might not be as great yet as President Trump wants, but by almost any measure, it’s getting better.
Companies in US Hired the Most in Almost Three Years, ADP Says
Companies added the most workers in almost three years to U.S. payrolls in February on a surge in construction and manufacturing employment, data from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, New Jersey, showed March 8.
Service Industries Grow at Fastest Pace Since October 2015
American service companies expanded in February at the fastest rate since October 2015 amid stronger orders, signaling momentum in the economy’s biggest sector.
Initial Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest in Almost 44 Years
The fewest Americans in almost 44 years filed applications to collect unemployment benefits last week, indicating the job market continues to power forward.
Manufacturing in US Expands at Fastest Pace Since August 2014
Manufacturing expanded in February at the fastest pace since August 2014 as factory managers reported stronger orders and production.
Pending Purchases of Existing Homes Unexpectedly Decline
Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly declined in January as higher mortgage rates, elevated prices and a limited number of listings pushed the index to a one-year low, according to figures released Feb. 27 from the National Association of Realtors in Washington.
Sales of New US Homes in January Were Slower Than Forecast
Purchases of new U.S. homes in January were slower than forecast, signaling an increase in mortgage rates may be giving some potential buyers pause.
Claims for Jobless Benefits Point to Firm Job Market
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased last week, while staying within a range that shows subdued firings.
Existing Home Sales Rise More Than Forecast as Supply Drops
Sales of previously owned U.S. homes climbed for the fifth time in six months to the highest level since 2007, indicating housing-market momentum will extend into 2017, National Association of Realtors data showed Feb. 22.