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Productivity in the U.S. unexpectedly fell for the first time since early 2016 as working hours slightly outpaced output, underscoring a sluggish pace of efficiency gains during this expansion, a Labor Department report showed Feb. 1.

A measure of contract signings to buy existing U.S. homes rose in December for a third month, giving sales some momentum at the start of 2018, according to data released Jan. 31 by the National Association of Realtors.

ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø prices in 20 U.S. cities increased in November by the most in more than three years, underscoring a lingering scarcity of housing inventory, according to S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller data released Jan. 30.

U.S. consumer confidence was stronger than expected in January and hovering near a 17-year high as households grew somewhat more upbeat about employment and the economy, according to figures out Jan. 30 from the Conference Board in New York.

U.S. consumer spending rose at a solid pace in December after an upwardly revised advance a month earlier as shoppers splurged during the holiday season. While incomes also rose, the saving rate fell to a fresh 12-year low.

Despite fourth-quarter U.S. growth missing forecasts, the world’s largest economy is doing just fine. The latest results also underscore just how challenging it will be to reach President Donald Trump’s goal of a sustained 3% pace.

Orders placed with U.S. factories for durable goods increased in December by the most in six months, providing more evidence of a bustling industrial sector.

The U.S. economy expanded at a slower-than-projected pace in the fourth quarter on drags from trade and inventories, offsetting strength in consumer spending and business investment that signals solid momentum entering 2018.

U.S. filings for unemployment benefits increased a week after plunging to the lowest level since 1973, underscoring a still historically tight jobs market, Labor Department figures showed Jan. 25.

Sales of previously-owned U.S. homes fell in December for the first time in four months, as the market struggles with record-low supply and rising prices, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed Jan. 24