22 States Report Employment Gains in February
Unemployment rates fell in 22 U.S. states in February from January, a sign that hiring gains are benefiting many parts of the country.
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U.S. Consumers' Spending Up in February, Data Show
U.S. consumer spending rose in February and income rebounded, further signs economic activity accelerated in the first quarter.
Demand for Durable Goods Rises Sharply in February
A surge in commercial aircraft demand pushed orders for U.S. long-lasting manufactured goods up sharply in February, the Commerce Department reports.
After Holiday Buying Binge Comes a Spending Diet
The holiday season was a heck of a party for retailers, but consumers are nursing a shopping hangover that'll keep them out of stores for a few months. "Now that those credit card bills are hitting mailboxes, shoppers will cut back in a very significant way," said Britt Beemer of America's Research Group.
February's Sales Put Carmakers in the Fast Lane
It was a good month for auto sales despite inclement weather across much of the country and surging oil prices. Cars sold near an annual pace of 13 million vehicles. That would make February the best on record since the "cash for clunkers" rebate program in 2009.
Ford's Sales Climb 14% on Explorers, Fuel-Efficient Models
Ford reported Tuesday that its sales in February rose 14% compared to a year ago, in part due to strong sales of the revamped Ford Explorer sports-utility vehicle, the Fusion midsized sedan and the Ford Escape compact SUV. Total sales for the month hit 156,626.
GM's February Gain Outpaced Forecasts
GM models sold smartly despite the steadily rising price of gas. GM says it sold 207,028 vehicles during the month. The increase was driven largely by a 70% jump in retail, or individual consumer, sales.
February Auto Sales Likely Kept Zipping Along
Major automakers are set to release February sales figures on Tuesday, and analysts expect the reports will show sales improved 20% compared to a year ago. Consumers continued to warm to the slowly improving economy -- so far, despite surging oil prices.
Consumer Sentiment Index Jumps to Three-Year High
The markets may have had a rough weak as U.S. GDP growth was revised down and Middle East unrest caused oil prices to rise, but the consumer sentiment index rose to its highest level since January 2008. Sentiment has risen for about six months -- an encouraging sign -- but oil prices could sour the mood.
Homebuilders Gain Some Confidence in February
The markets received some hopeful news on the housing front, as a key measure of homebuilder confidence unexpectedly rose in February to 17 from 15 in January -- the first gain in five months. Still, it's a long way from a healthy reading of 50-plus