WASHINGTON — Americans’ confidence in the economy rose to its highest level in more than five years, bolstered by a more optimistic outlook for hiring. The Conference Board, a New York-based private research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence ...

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DETROIT — Chrysler abruptly agreed to recall 2.7 million older model Jeeps Tuesday, reversing a defiant posture and avoiding a possible public relations nightmare over fuel tanks that can catch fire in a rear-end collision. In deciding on the recall, ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up purchases at retail businesses in May, spending more on cars, home improvements and sporting goods. The gain shows consumers remain resilient despite higher taxes and could drive faster growth later this year. The Commerce Department ...

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WASHINGTON — Chief executives for the largest U.S. companies are more optimistic about sales over the next six months and plan to add more workers. The Business Roundtable said Wednesday that its April-June quarterly survey found 32 percent of its ...

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NEW YORK — In the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about the overall economy, stores across the country had a pickup in sales in May. An improving job picture, better housing market and stock market rallies have all ...

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WASHINGTON — A measure of U.S. manufacturing fell in May to its lowest level since June 2009 as slumping overseas economies and weak business spending reduced new orders and production. The Institute for Supply Management said Monday that its index ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans cut back on spending in April after their income failed to grow, a sign that economic growth may be slowing. Consumer spending dropped a seasonally adjusted 0.2 percent in April, the Commerce Department said Friday. That was ...

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WASHINGTON — Americans’ confidence in the economy jumped in May to a five-year high, lifted by a better outlook for hiring, rising home prices and more optimism about business conditions. The increase suggests consumers may keep boosting economic growth this ...

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WASHINGTON — Lower-priced gas allowed Americans to step up their spending at retailers in April, from cars and clothes to electronics and appliances. The rebound from a weak March suggests consumers remain resilient in the face of higher taxes and ...

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NEW YORK — Americans spent briskly during the early spring months in the latest sign that they’re encouraged by the economic recovery. Falling gas prices, a rallying stock market and gains in the job market all fueled Americans’ shopping habits ...

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