WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy expanded at a 1.9 percent annual rate in the first three months of the year, a weak pace that few economists see changing much this year. The Commerce Department on Thursday made no change in ...

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WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve acted Wednesday to lift an economy that’s being held back by a weakened job market. It’s extending a program designed to spur borrowing and spending through lower long-term U.S. interest rates. The Fed also reiterated ...

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NEW YORK — Small business owners recovered some of their optimism during April, but they’re still wary about the economy. The National Federation of Independent Business said Tuesday that its index of small business optimism rose 2 points last month, ...

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WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve policymakers are worried that recent strong gains in hiring could fizzle if U.S. economic growth doesn’t pick up. Minutes of the Fed’s March 13 meeting show that members expressed those concerns before sticking with a plan ...

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WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in four years, adding to evidence that the job market is strengthening. Applications for weekly unemployment benefits fell by 5,000 to a seasonally ...

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WASHINGTON — A growing number of chief executives at large U.S. companies say they are more optimistic about the economy and plan to step up hiring. The brighter view from the boardroom comes after the best three months of job ...

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WASHINGTON — Monthly U.S. exports to Europe grew in December, a hopeful sign after a steep decline the previous month. But, some economists remain concerned that the region’s debt crisis will still weigh on the U.S. economy this year. The ...

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The long-suffering job market is ending the year better off than it began. The number of people applying for unemployment benefits each week has dropped by 10 percent since January. The unemployment rate, 8.6 percent in November, ...

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October to its lowest point of the year after Americans bought fewer foreign cars and imported less oil. The shrinking trade gap boosted growth over the summer and may do so again ...

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NEW YORK — Hopes for a more far-reaching solution to Europe’s debt crisis and a strong start to the U.S. shopping season sent stocks sharply higher Monday. Initial reports show a record number of shoppers hit the mall or bought ...

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