WASHINGTON — At the start of the critical holiday shopping season, the economy received a dose of mixed news Wednesday. Consumers barely increased their spending in October, and businesses pulled back on investment in long-lasting manufactured goods. Still, Americans’ pay ...

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WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who bought previously occupied homes rose slightly last month but remained at depressed levels. And more deals are being canceled at the last minute, a sign that even those who are looking to buy ...

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WASHINGTON — A gauge of future economic activity rose at solid pace in October, offering hope that the economy may see stronger growth in coming months. The Conference Board reported Friday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.9 ...

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WASHINGTON — A gauge of future economic activity edged up at a slower pace in September, signaling only modest economic growth in coming months. The Conference Board reported Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.2 percent in ...

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WASHINGTON — Consumers paid more for food and gas last month, although inflation outside those volatile categories was tame. The Labor Department says the Consumer Price Index rose 0.3 percent in September, below a 0.4 percent rise in August. Excluding ...

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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 — Fixed mortgage rates have fallen to historic new lows for a fourth straight week and are likely to fall further. The average on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.01 percent this week, Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s ...

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WASHINGTON — Fixed mortgage rates have fallen to historic new lows for a fourth straight week and are likely to fall further. The average on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 4.01 percent this week, Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s ...

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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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WASHINGTON — The number of Americans who bought previously occupied homes rose in August. But sales were driven by an increase in foreclosures, evidence the housing market remains weak. The National Association of Realtors says home sales rose 7.7 percent ...

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