Consumer Sentiment Jumps After Tax Cuts Blunt Stock Gyrations
U.S. consumer sentiment unexpectedly rose in February to the second-highest level since 2004 as tax cuts and a strong job market helped Americans shrug off stock-market volatility, a University of Michigan survey showed Feb. 16.
February 16, 2018Housing Starts Reach Highest Level in More Than a Year
U.S. new-home construction rose in January to the highest level since October 2016, helped by a surge in apartment building, as momentum in the housing market continues into 2018, government figures showed Feb 16.
February 16, 2018Homebuilder Sentiment Remains Near Highest Level Since 1999
Confidence among American homebuilders held steady in February near the highest level since 1999, suggesting that demand for housing is expected to remain strong, according to data Feb. 15 from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo.
February 15, 2018Output at Manufacturers Was Unchanged for Second Month
U.S. factory output was unchanged in January for a second month after a run of healthy advances consistent with ongoing expansion in the industry, Federal Reserve data showed Feb. 15.
February 15, 2018Consumer Comfort Jumps Despite Stock-Market Turbulence
U.S. consumer sentiment jumped last week to the highest level since February 2001, indicating Americans were shaking off turbulence in the stock market, according to the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index.
February 14, 2018Consumer Prices Top Forecasts, Sending Markets Tumbling
U.S. consumer prices rose by more than projected in January as apparel costs jumped the most in nearly three decades. The report sent Treasuries and stocks tumbling, as it added to concerns about an inflation pickup that have roiled financial markets this month.
February 14, 2018Record Number of Small-Business Owners Say It’s a Good Time to Expand
Optimism among small companies in the U.S. rose more than forecast in January, fueled by a record number of owners who said now was a good time to expand, according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey released Feb. 12.
February 13, 2018Dow Falls More Than 1,000 Points, S&P 500 Sinks 3.75%
The dread that gripped equity markets earlier in the week re-emerged Feb. 8 as U.S. stocks plunged on concern that rising interest rates will drag down economic growth.
February 8, 2018Consumer Comfort Stays Elevated Even as Stocks Fall
U.S. consumer comfort last week held near the highest level since 2001 even as stocks fell on concerns about higher interest rates, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Feb. 8.
February 8, 2018Jobless Claims Decline, Approach an Almost 45-Year Low
U.S. filings for unemployment benefits unexpectedly declined last week, hovering close to an almost 45-year low and signaling a tight job market, Labor Department figures showed Feb. 8.
February 8, 2018