Consumers are more upbeat about the U.S. economic outlook than at any time in the last four years, bolstered by cheap gasoline and a sustained pickup in hiring.
Home prices in 20 U.S. cities rose at a slower pace in the year ended in November, a sign the industry struggled to find momentum even amid low mortgage rates.
An improving job market is the driving force behind a rebound in American consumer confidence that will probably help propel faster economic growth in 2015.
A strengthening labor market and lower gasoline prices mean Americans have extra cash for the holidays. Some economists are forecasting the money will keep flowing into, and out of, consumers’ pockets next year.
A broad-based November hiring surge ranging from factories to offices and retailers powered the U.S. economy to the largest number of jobs created in almost three years, triggering long-awaited wage gains.
Manufacturing in the U.S. expanded in November at a faster pace than projected, signaling the world’s largest economy is rising above a global slowdown.
Industrial production in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in October, weighed down by declines at utilities, mines and automakers that signal manufacturing started the fourth quarter on soft footing.
