WASHINGTON — Some 55 million Social Security recipients will get a 3.6 percent increase in benefits next year, their first raise since 2009, the government announced Wednesday. The increase, which starts in January, is tied to a measure of inflation ...

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WASHINGTON — Companies ordered more machinery, computers and communication equipment in August, a positive sign for the slumping U.S. economy. An increase in demand for those kind of longer-lasting factory goods suggests businesses are sticking with their investment plans, despite ...

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NEW YORK — Consumers’ confidence in the economy remained weak in September after dropping to a post-recession low in the month before as Americans continued to worry about high unemployment and low wages. People were spooked last month over a ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans’ wealth declined this spring for the first time in a year, as stocks and home values fell. At the same time, corporations increased the size of their cash stockpiles. The combination could slow an already weak economy ...

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WASHINGTON — Consumers spent less on autos, clothing and furniture to leave retail sales unchanged in August. The lack of growth suggests households became more cautious during wild stock market fluctuations and increased fears about the economy. The Commerce Department ...

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MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co. said Tuesday its fiscal second-quarter net income fell 30 percent as consumers hit the pause button on buying electronics, particularly TVs and smart phones, while fears about the global economy persist. Results missed expectations and ...

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WASHINGTON— Consumer spending grew in July by 0.8 percent, the largest amount in five months. That followed a decline in June and helped ease fears that the U.S. economy is on the verge of another recession. Americans bought more cars ...

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NEW YORK — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday its second-quarter profit rose 5.7 percent, due to international sales growth and cost cutting. But the world’s largest retailer still wasn’t able to reverse a two-year sales slump at its Walmart stores ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans cut back on their spending in June for the first time in nearly two years and their incomes grew by the smallest amount in nine months, a troubling sign for an economy that is barely growing. Consumer spending ...

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WASHINGTON — Consumers spent more on cars and in big chain stores in June but falling gas prices held back retail sales. The Commerce Department said Thursday that retail sales rose a modest 0.1 percent last month. That follows a ...

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