WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose in August from July because consumers paid higher gas prices and bought more cars and trucks. They were more cautious elsewhere, suggesting the weak economy has made many selective about spending. Retail sales increased ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesalers increased their stockpiles in July from June, but sales fell for a third straight month. Declining sales could force companies to cut inventories in coming months, a troubling sign that economic growth could weaken. The Commerce ...

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit grew to $42 billion in July, widened by fewer exports to Europe, India and Brazil that offset a steep decline in oil imports. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that the trade deficit increased 0.2 ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. construction spending fell in July from June by the largest amount in a year, weighed down by a big drop in home improvement projects. But spending on construction of single-family homes and apartments increased again, a hopeful ...

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WASHINGTON — Orders to U.S. companies rose in July, reflecting a surge in demand for autos and commercial aircraft. But in a troubling sign of manufacturing weakness, a key orders category that tracks business investment plans fell by the largest ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans spent at the fastest pace in five months in July after earning a little more. The increase in income and consumer spending could help boost an economy mired in subpar growth. Consumer spending rose 0.4 percent in ...

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Signs that U.S. manufacturing is faltering emerged from a report Friday that orders for long-lasting factory goods, excluding the volatile transportation category, fell in July for the fourth time in five months. Overall orders for durable goods ...

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WASHINGTON — U.S. companies barely increased their stockpiles in June from May, and sales plunged by the largest amount in more than three years. Business inventories edged up a slight 0.1 percent in June after a 0.3 percent gain in ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans increased their retail spending in July by the most in five months, opening their wallets after a frugal spring and offering hope that the slumping economy may rebound in the second half of the year. Retail spending ...

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WASHINGTON — Companies placed fewer orders with U.S. factories in June from May, signaling further weakness with manufacturing. The Commerce Department said Thursday that factory orders fell 0.5 percent in June, the third decline in four months. Orders for core ...

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