WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer prices rose slightly last month, as higher energy costs partly offset cheaper food. The small increase is further evidence that consumers are benefiting from mild inflation.

2. Survey: US Private Employers Add 135,000 Jobs in May - Thursday, June 06, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A private survey shows U.S. businesses added just 135,000 jobs in May, the second straight month of weak gains.

Payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that May's gain was above April's revised total of 113,000. But it's much lower than the gains ADP reported over the winter, which averaged more than 200,000 a month from November through February.

3. US Durable Goods Orders Rise 3.3 Percent in April - Saturday, June 01, 2013

U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for aircraft and stronger business investment. The gains suggest economic growth may be holding steady this spring.

4. US Consumers Cut Spending 0.2 Percent in April - Monday, June 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans cut back on spending in April after their income failed to grow, a sign that economic growth may be slowing.

Consumer spending dropped a seasonally adjusted 0.2 percent in April, the Commerce Department said Friday. That was the first decline since last May. It followed a 0.1 percent increase in March and a 0.8 percent jump in February.

5. US Economy Grew at Modest 2.4 Percent Rate in First Quarter - Friday, May 31, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a modest 2.4 percent annual rate from January through March, slightly slower than initially estimated. Consumer spending was stronger than first thought, but businesses restocked more slowly and state and local government spending cuts were deeper.

6. US Durable Goods Orders Rise 3.3 Percent in April - Monday, May 27, 2013

U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for aircraft and stronger business investment. The gains suggest economic growth may be holding steady this spring.

7. US Trade Deficit Falls to $38.8 Billion in March - Friday, May 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in March for a second month as the daily flow of imported crude oil dropped to the lowest level in 17 years. The deficit with China hit a three-year low.

8. US Economy Barely Grew in Fourth Quarter, But Rebound Likely - Friday, March 01, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The weakest quarter for the U.S. economy in nearly two years may end up being a temporary lull. Economists think growth has begun to pick up on the strength of a sustained housing recovery and a better job market.

9. US Fourth-Quarter Growth Stronger on Export Gains - Monday, February 11, 2013

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in December because exports rose while oil imports plummeted. The smaller trade gap means the economy almost surely grew in the October-December quarter – an improvement from the government’s estimate last week that it shrank in the final months of 2012.

10. US Trade Gap Grows to $48.7 Billion as Imports Surge - Monday, January 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit expanded in November to its widest point in seven months, driven by a surge in imports that outpaced only modest growth in exports.

The Commerce Department report Friday suggests trade will drag on economic growth in the October-December quarter. A wider trade gap slows growth because it means Americans spent more on foreign products while U.S. businesses earned less in overseas sales.

11. U.S. Employers Add 155,000 Jobs in December - Monday, January 07, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs in December, a steady gain that shows hiring held up during the tense negotiations to resolve the fiscal cliff.

The solid job growth wasn’t enough to reduce the unemployment rate, which remained 7.8 percent last month, the Labor Department said Friday. The rate for November was revised up from an initially reported 7.7 percent.

12. Construction Spending Declines 0.3 Percent - Saturday, January 05, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in November from October because a steep drop in volatile federal projects offset another gain in home building.

Construction spending dipped 0.3 percent in November, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the first decline since March and followed a 0.7 percent increase in October, which was revised lower.

13. Construction Spending Dips 0.3 Percent - Thursday, January 03, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in November from October because a steep drop in volatile federal projects offset another gain in home building.

Construction spending dipped 0.3 percent in November, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the first decline since March and followed a 0.7 percent increase in October, which was revised lower.

14. US Economy Could Handle Short Fall Over 'Cliff' - Thursday, December 27, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economic threat that's kept many Americans on edge for months is nearing reality – unless the White House and Republicans cut a budget deal by New Year's Day.

15. US Economy Could Withstand Brief Fall Off ‘Cliff' - Thursday, December 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – It's the scenario that's been spooking employers and investors and slowing the U.S. economy:

Congress and the White House fail to strike a budget deal by New Year's Day. Their stalemate triggers sharp tax increases and spending cuts. Those measures shrink consumer spending, stifle job growth, topple stock prices and push the economy off a "fiscal cliff" and into recession.

16. US Economy Grew at 2.7 Percent Rate in Summer - Friday, November 30, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate from July through September, much faster than first thought. The strength is expected to fade in the final months of the year because of the impact of Superstorm Sandy and uncertainty about looming tax increases and government spending cuts.

17. Sandy, Budget Worries Hold Back US Factory Output - Monday, November 19, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factory production of machinery and equipment fell sharply last month, held back by temporary disruptions caused by Superstorm Sandy and companies' fears that a federal budget crisis could trigger a recession next year.

18. Storm's Cost May Hit $50 Billion; Rebuilding to Ease Blow - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Superstorm Sandy will end up causing about $20 billion in property damages and $10 billion to $30 billion more in lost business, according to IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm.

19. US Economic Growth Up To Still-Modest 2 Percent Rate - Monday, October 29, 2012

The U.S. economy grew at a slightly faster 2 percent annual rate from July through September, buoyed by more spending by consumers and the federal government.

Even with the increase from a 1.3 percent growth rate in the April-June quarter, the economy remains too weak to rapidly boost job creation.

20. Fed Cites Moderate US Growth, Takes no new Action - Thursday, October 25, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two weeks before a U.S. election focused on the economy, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday that its help is still needed to increase growth and lower unemployment.

The Fed took no action after a two-day policy meeting. It wants time to assess whether the aggressive steps it launched in September will help the economy.

21. More Expensive Gas Pushes US Consumer Prices Up - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Higher gas costs drove up U.S. consumer prices in September for the second straight month. Outside energy, there was little sign of inflation.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that the consumer price index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent last month, matching the August increase. In the past 12 months, prices have increased 2 percent. That's in line with the Federal Reserve's inflation target.

22. Homebuilder Confidence High - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Confidence among U.S. homebuilders remains at its highest level in six years, reflecting improved optimism over the strengthening housing market this year and a pickup in visits by prospective buyers to builders’ communities.

23. Survey: US Businesses Added 162,000 Jobs in September - Thursday, October 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A private survey shows that U.S. businesses added fewer workers in September than August, a sign that slow growth may be holding back hiring.

Payroll processor ADP said Wednesday that companies added 162,000 jobs last month. That's below August's total of 189,000, which was revised lower.

24. Industrial Production Falls 1.2 Percent - Monday, September 17, 2012

U.S. industrial production fell in August by the largest amount in more than three years as factories produced fewer cars and other manufactured goods and Hurricane Isaac triggered shutdowns along the Gulf Coast.

25. Fed Unveils Bold, Open-Ended Steps to Aid Economy - Friday, September 14, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve unleashed a series of bold and open-ended steps Thursday designed to stimulate the economy by boosting the stock market and making it cheaper for people to borrow and spend.

26. Drop in Key US Durable Goods Orders Shows Weakness - Monday, August 27, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Signs that U.S. manufacturing is faltering emerged from a report Friday that orders for long-lasting factory goods, excluding the volatile transportation category, fell in July for the fourth time in five months.

27. US Hiring Picks Up in July With 163,000 Jobs Added - Monday, August 06, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Employers added 163,000 jobs in July after three months of sluggish hiring, a pleasant surprise that could signal the U.S. economy may be resilient enough to shake off a midyear slump.

28. Cheaper Gas Keeps US Consumer Prices Flat - Wednesday, July 18, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumer prices were unchanged in June, held down by cheaper gas. Outside the volatile food and energy categories, inflation was mild.

Weak economic growth is limiting the ability of companies to raise prices. The tame inflation was underscored by a 0.2 percent drop in consumer prices for the April-June period as a whole. That was the first quarterly drop in consumer prices in two years.

29. US Business Stockpiles Grew 0.3 Percent in May - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. companies added to their stockpiles in May. But their sales fell for a second straight month, adding to worries that the economy has slowed.

Business stockpiles grew 0.3 percent in May from April, matching April's increase, the Commerce Department reported Monday. Business sales fell 0.1 percent in May, matching the April decline.

30. US Economy Appears Weaker as Retail Sales Slump - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — The outlook for the U.S. economy appeared dimmer Monday after a report that Americans spent less at retail businesses for a third straight month in June.

The report led some economists to downgrade their estimates for economic growth in the April-June quarter. Many now think the economy grew even less than in the first quarter of the year, when it expanded at a sluggish 1.9 percent annual rate.

31. Fed Was Split Over Policy Action at June Meeting - Thursday, July 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is open to taking further action to support the struggling U.S. economy. But minutes of the Fed's June meeting show policymakers at odds over whether the economy needs more help now.

32. US Trade Deficit Falls in May - Thursday, July 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in May from April, helped by cheaper oil that lowered imports and an increase in American exports to Europe and China.

But economists cautioned that the global economy has weakened since then. And they noted that the decline in the deficit wasn’t enough to alter their growth forecasts for the April-June quarter.

33. US Factory Production Declined 0.4 Pct. in May - Monday, June 18, 2012

U.S. factories produced less in May than April, as automakers cut back on output for the first time in six months. The report indicates that manufacturing, a key driver of the economic growth, is slowing.

34. Executive Coach Burtch Earns Int’l Designation - Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Bill Burtch, founder and president of full-service management consultancy firm Harmony Coaching & Consulting, has received the Professional Certified Coach designation from the International Coach Federation, becoming the second PCC in Memphis. Burtch, who also holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources designation, focuses his consulting work in executive/team coaching, professional development training and human resources consulting.

35. US Economy Picks Up After Early Spring Slump - Thursday, May 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Maybe the U.S. economy's strength this winter wasn't just weather-related after all.

Home construction is near a three-year high. And factory output has risen in three of the year's first four months.

36. US Factory Output Rose in April on Stronger Autos - Thursday, May 17, 2012

U.S. factory output increased in April, helped by a gain in auto production. Busier factories have driven stronger hiring this year and helped the economy grow.

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that factory production rose 0.6 percent in April, erasing a 0.5 percent decline in March.

37. US Hiring Slowed Last Month - Thursday, May 03, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — A private survey shows U.S. businesses sharply reduced hiring in April, a cautionary sign two days before the government reports on monthly job growth.

Payroll provider ADP said Wednesday that businesses added just 119,000 jobs last month, far lower than a revised total of 201,000 jobs in March.

38. US Factory Output Up Modestly in Feb. - Monday, March 19, 2012

U.S. factories stepped up production in February for the third straight month, helping the economy recover and driving the best job growth since the recession ended.

The Federal Reserve said Friday that the output of the nation’s factories rose 0.3 percent last month. That followed even stronger increases in January and December, which combined for the best two-month stretch since 1998.

39. US Factories Help Job Recovery Endure in March - Friday, March 16, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A resurgent U.S. job market that has lifted the economy appears to be enduring.

Factories in the Northeast kept hiring in early March. And the number of people applying for unemployment aid fell back to a four-year low. The economy is adding jobs at a time when inflation remains relatively mild outside of higher gas prices.

40. Economy Adds 227K Jobs, Jobless Rate Unchanged - Monday, March 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The United States added 227,000 jobs in February as the nation has put together the strongest three months of job growth since the Great Recession, boding well for President Barack Obama's re-election chances.

41. Jobs Picture Brightens, But Incomes, Spending Weak - Friday, March 02, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Steady declines in applications for unemployment aid are pointing to another strong month of hiring in February.

A healthy job market normally drives faster growth. But Americans' after-tax income actually fell in January, which led to a fourth straight month of weak consumer spending.

42. Chamberlain Joins MBI - Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Jessica Chamberlain has joined MBI as a workspace consultant.

Hometown: Arlington, Tenn.

43. US Economy Grew Modest 2.8 Percent in 4th Quarter - Monday, January 30, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the final three months of last year, the fastest growth in 2011.

Americans spent more on cars and trucks, and companies restocked their shelves at the strongest pace in nearly two years. But growth in the October-December quarter – and all of last year – was held back by the biggest annual government spending cuts in four decades.

44. Economy Gains as Businesses Spend More, Fire Less - Friday, January 27, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Businesses are growing more confident in the economy, investing in more equipment and laying off fewer workers.

Government figures on manufacturing and unemployment claims released Thursday raised hopes on the eve of a report on how much the economy grew in the October-December quarter.

45. Rising Factory Output Gives Economy a Lift - Thursday, January 19, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factories are roaring back from the depths of the recession, cranking out more machinery, vehicles and energy.

Factory production has surged 15 percent above its lows of 2½ years ago and is helping drive the economy's recovery.

46. Spending and Incomes Show Weak November Gains - Monday, December 26, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumers spent at a lackluster rate in November as their incomes barely grew, suggesting that Americans may struggle to keep spending more into 2012.

Consumer spending rose just 0.1 percent in November, matching the modest October increase, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Incomes also rose 0.1 percent. That was the weakest showing since a 0.1 percent decline in August.

47. US Factory Output Declined Sharply in November - Friday, December 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing output fell in November for the first time in seven months.

The decline was largely because factories made fewer autos. But production of home electronics, appliances and business equipment also dropped.

48. Unemployment Rate Falls to Lowest Since March 2009 - Friday, December 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Small businesses and startups that were skittish about the economy this summer started hiring in bigger numbers this fall, helping drive the unemployment rate down to 8.6 percent in November, the lowest in two and a half years.

49. Unemployment Aid Applications Up 2nd Straight Week - Friday, December 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people applying for unemployment benefits rose for the second straight week, a sign the hiring market is recovering at a slow and uneven pace.

Weekly applications for unemployment benefits rose by 6,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 402,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Applications had been below 400,000 for three straight weeks.

50. Stronger Factories, Lower Prices Lift Economy - Thursday, November 17, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing is recovering from a slump, and inflation may be peaking.

Data issued Wednesday point to an economy growing slowly but steadily. Still, surging oil prices and a possible European recession threaten to drain the economy's momentum.

51. Incomes Stall as Interest on Savings Dwindles - Monday, October 31, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans' incomes have stagnated for three straight months. Yet they boosted their spending in September 0.6 percent — three times the increase in August.

Under normal circumstances, that would be a troubling sign for the economy.

52. Economy Grew 2.5 Pct. in Q3 as Consumers Rebound - Friday, October 28, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — A summer of modest economic growth is helping dispel lingering fears that another recession might be near. Whether the strength can be sustained, though, is far from clear.

53. Economy Shows Signs of Health After Summer Slump - Friday, October 21, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economy appears slightly healthier than many had feared it was a few weeks ago, raising hopes that it can end the year on an upward slope.

A raft of data Thursday show layoffs are trending down to a six-month low and factories in the Mid-Atlantic are growing again after contracting for two months. Nevertheless, home sales fell and the housing market is expected weigh on the economy deep into 2012.

54. Factory Output Rises on Truck, Airplane Demand - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factories produced more goods in September for a third straight month, the latest signal that the economy is rebounding from its summer slump.

They made more airplanes, trucks and home electronics last month to meet rising demand, the Federal Reserve said Monday.

55. Economy Up Slightly but Threats Remain, Data Show - Tuesday, October 04, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The nation's economy is managing to grow modestly, reports Monday showed, despite high U.S. unemployment and growing alarm about Europe's debt crisis.

Manufacturing expanded in September more than in August, though the pace of growth remains weak, according to a survey by the Institute for Supply Management. The ISM said its manufacturing index rose for the first time in three months.

56. Economists Show Support for Obama Job-Growth Plan - Monday, September 12, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A tentative thumbs-up.

That's the assessment from economists, who have offered mainly positive reviews of President Barack Obama's $447 billion plan to stimulate job creation.

57. Bernanke Offers No Hints of Further Aid to Economy - Friday, September 09, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday that he's surprised by how cautious consumers remain more than two years since the recession officially ended. But he offered no hints of further steps the Fed might take to try to boost the weak economy.

58. Employers Add No Net Jobs in Aug.; Rate Unchanged - Tuesday, September 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Employers stopped adding jobs in August, an alarming setback for an economy that has struggled to grow and might be at risk of another recession.

The government also reported that the unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent. It was the weakest jobs report since September 2010.

59. Drop in Gas Prices Lowered Inflation in June - Monday, July 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer prices fell last month for the first time in a year because of a steep drop in gas costs. But Americans paid more for autos, clothes and hotel stays, driving prices outside of volatile food and energy costs up.

60. Bernanke: Fed Would Supply More Stimulus if Needed - Thursday, July 14, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that the central bank is prepared to provide additional stimulus if the economic lull persists.

Delivering his twice-a-year economic report to Congress, Bernanke laid out three options the central bank would consider. One possibility, he said, was another round of Treasury bond buying. That would make the third such effort since 2009.

61. Weak Hiring Casts Doubts on Strength of Rebound - Monday, July 11, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hiring slowed to a near-standstill last month, raising doubts that the economy will rebound in the second half of the year.

The report baffled economists who had predicted much stronger job creation. And it escalated a debate in Washington over how to spur hiring and energize the economy while also cutting federal spending.

62. Service Sector Grew in June at Slower Pace - Thursday, July 07, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. service sector, which employs nearly 90 percent of America’s work force, expanded for a 19th consecutive month in June. But growth slowed from May, a sign that the economy remains sluggish.

63. Inflation Slows in May as Gas Prices Fall - Thursday, June 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Falling energy prices cooled overall inflation in May, offering some relief to consumers who have been coping for months with high gas prices.

Overall consumer prices rose 0.2 percent, the smallest increase in six months, the Labor Department said. It was the first drop in energy costs in nearly a year.

64. Trade Group Says US Service Sector Grew in May - Monday, June 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy's service sector, which employs 90 percent of America's work force, grew in May for an 18th straight month, posting slightly faster growth than in April.

65. Factory Output Dropped on Japan Supply Disruptions - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factories in April produced fewer goods for the first time in 10 months. A temporary parts shortage stemming from the Japanese earthquake forced automakers to cut back output.

66. Rising Food and Gas Costs Push Up Consumer Prices - Monday, May 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumers paid more for gas and food in April, lifting inflation to its highest level in two and a half years. But inflationary pressures have begun to ease this month, and analysts say some prices could taper off by summer.

67. US Service Sector Expanded at Much Slower Pace - Thursday, May 05, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S economy's service sector grew last month at the slowest pace since August, renewing concerns that more expensive gas and food may be weakening growth.

Service companies, which employ 90 percent of the nation's work force, still expanded for the 17th straight month. But their growth slowed considerably because of a sharp drop in demand for their services, the Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday.

68. US Service Sector Expanded at Much Slower Pace - Thursday, May 05, 2011

The U.S economy’s service sector grew last month at the slowest pace since August, renewing concerns that more expensive gas and food may be weakening growth.

Companies that employ 90 percent of the nation’s work force still expanded for the 17th straight month. But their growth slowed considerable because of a sharp drop in demand for their services, the Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday.

69. Economy Faces Challenges After Strong Growth in Q4 - Monday, March 28, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – American consumers helped boost economic growth in the final months of last year, but higher oil prices are threatening to steal some of that momentum this year.

More expensive gas will dampen consumer spending, at least in the first three months of this year. Still, many economists say the bump in fuel costs and the crisis in Japan will have only a mild impact on the U.S. economy for the full year and are sticking with 2011 projections for the fastest growth since before the recession.

70. For Real Estate, a Giant Spring Clearance Sale - Monday, March 28, 2011

In suburban Chicago, it's paradise to be a homebuyer.

At the Millbrook Pointe development in quaint and pristine Wheeling, a $269,000, brick-and-stone townhouse comes with $25,000 in free upgrades, including wood-burning fireplaces, all-stainless steel kitchens and marbled bathrooms tricked out with double-bowl vanities and whirlpool soaker tubs.

71. Retail Sales Up 1 Percent in February - Monday, March 14, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — American shoppers snapped up new cars, clothing and electronics in February, pushing retail sales up for the eighth straight month.

Retail sales rose 1 percent last month, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Part of the gain reflected higher prices for gasoline. Still, excluding sales at gas stations, retail sales rose a solid 0.9 percent.

72. Mortgage Applications Spike; Home Sales Still Weak - Thursday, March 10, 2011

The number of people applying for a mortgage jumped last week. But analysts cautioned that the increase was likely driven by investors, not first-time homebuyers who are needed to help housing markets recover.

73. Consumers Paid More for Most Goods in January - Friday, February 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumers paid more in January for everything from food and gas to airline tickets and clothing. The price increases reflect creeping but still-modest inflation.

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4 percent last month, matching December's increase, the Labor Department said Thursday. In the past year, the index has risen 1.6 percent.

74. Factory Activity Grows at Fastest Pace in 7 Years - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Factory activity expanded in January at the fastest pace in nearly seven years, as America’s manufacturers reported a sharp jump in new orders.

Still, builders spent less on projects in December, pushing annual construction spending down to a decade low.

75. Factory Activity Grows at Fastest Pace in 7 Years - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Factory activity expanded in January at the fastest pace in nearly seven years, as America's manufacturers reported a sharp jump in new orders.

Still, builders spent less on projects in December, pushing annual construction spending down to a decade low.

76. Service Firms Grow at Fastest Pace Since 2006 - Thursday, January 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — Strong consumer demand pushed a key measure of the economy's service sector to its highest level in more than four years, the latest evidence that the economy is gaining strength and job growth could pick up in the new year.

77. Fed Minutes: Economy Needs Bond-Buying Program - Wednesday, January 05, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials stuck with the pace of their $600 billion Treasury bond-buying program last month because the economy wasn't improving fast enough to make a noticeable dent in unemployment.

78. Industrial Production Falls 0.2 Percent in September - Tuesday, October 19, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sluggish spending by businesses and consumers is causing factories to cool their production after they helped lift the economy out of recession.

Companies have slowed their rebuilding of stockpiles and replacement of worn-out equipment. And consumers are cautiously spending at a time of 9.6 percent unemployment and slow job growth. That combination led to the first decline in output at the nation's mines, factories and utilities since the recession ended in June 2009.

79. Service Sector Growth Accelerates in September - Wednesday, October 06, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – The U.S. service sector, the nation's predominant employer, expanded in September for a ninth straight month, although the growth has not been consistent enough to dent the high unemployment rate.

80. Consumer Prices Rise 0.3 Percent in August - Monday, September 20, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer prices posted a small rise in August, but outside of a big jump in volatile gasoline prices, inflation was essentially flat.

Consumer prices edged up 0.3 percent in August, matching the July increase, the Labor Department said Friday. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, showed no increase in August.

81. Industrial Production Rises 0.2 Percent in August - Thursday, September 16, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Production at U.S. factories grew in August for the 12th time in 14 months, but at a slower rate than earlier this year as consumers spent cautiously.

Overall output at the nation's factories, mines and utilities edged up 0.2 percent last month, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday. It rose 0.6 percent in July.

82. Service Sector Grows at Slower Pace in August - Tuesday, September 07, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – The U.S. service sector, the nation's predominant job generator, expanded for the eighth straight month in August although the pace of growth slowed, according to a trade group survey.

83. Recovery in Danger as Firms, Homebuyers Cut Back - Thursday, August 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economic recovery appears to be stalling as companies cut back last month on their investments in equipment and machines and Americans bought new homes at the weakest pace in decades.

84. Durable Goods Orders Rise 0.3 Percent in July - Thursday, August 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Companies cut back on their investments in equipment and machines last month as the economic recovery lost momentum.

Overall orders for big-ticket manufactured goods increased 0.3 percent in July, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. But that was only because of a 76 percent jump in demand for commercial aircraft.

85. Spike in Layoffs Feeds Fear of Faltering Recovery - Monday, August 23, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Layoffs are back, and that’s bad news for the fragile economic recovery.

New applications for unemployment benefits hit a nine-month high last week – a spike that suggests private employers may shed jobs this month for the first time this year.

86. Service Sector Grows More Quickly in July - Thursday, August 05, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – Growth in the U.S. service sector picked up in July, according to a trade group's survey, in a good sign for the overall economy and the job market.

The Institute for Supply Management said Wednesday its service-sector index rose to 54.3 last month, up from 53.8 in June. Economists had expected a pullback to 53 for July.

87. Orders for Big-Ticket Goods Fall 1 Percent in June - Thursday, July 29, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods fell in June as demand for commercial aircraft plummeted. But businesses increased spending on capital goods for a second straight month, a sign that manufacturing continues to help keep the economic recovery afloat.

88. ISM Says Service Sector Growth Slows in June - Wednesday, July 07, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – The service sector grew more slowly in June, an industry trade group said Tuesday, offering the latest sign that the economic recovery is weakening as the second half of the year begins.

89. Economy Adds 431K Jobs But Few in Private Sector - Monday, June 07, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - Job creation by private companies grew at the slowest pace of the year in May, even while the hiring of temporary census workers drove overall payrolls up 431,000. The unemployment rate dipped to 9.7 percent as many people gave up searching for work.

90. Factory Orders, New Home Sales Rise in April - Thursday, May 27, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Orders for large manufactured goods rose sharply last month while sales of new homes surged with help from government incentives, giving the economic recovery a jolt in April.

91. New Home Sales Jump From Record Low - Monday, April 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sales of new homes surged 27 percent last month, bouncing off the previous month’s record low and blowing past expectations as government incentives and better weather boosted sales.

92. New Home Sales, Orders for Most Durable Goods Rise - Monday, April 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of new homes took the biggest monthly jump in 47 years in March, while orders for large manufactured products rose by the largest amount since the recession started.

While factories are benefiting from a sharp increase in orders from U.S. and foreign businesses, the fuel for new home sales is coming from a less sustainable source: government subsidies.

93. March Housing Starts Gain On Multifamily Building - Monday, April 19, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Housing construction posted a better-than-expected performance in March, rising to the highest level in 16 months on the strength of multi-family homes.

The U.S. Commerce Department report Friday showed that construction of single-family homes, the most important segment of the market, fell.

94. February Trade Deficit Increases to $39.7 Billion - Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. trade deficit widened more than expected in February as a small gain in exports to the highest level in 16 months was offset by a bigger jump in imports, reflecting increased demand for consumer goods from televisions to clothing.

95. US Manufacturing Growth Revs Up - Friday, April 02, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in March at its strongest pace in 5 1/2 years, leading the rebound from the recession on growth in exports and inventory rebuilding.

Another drop in construction spending in February, however, underscored weakness in real estate.

96. ISM: Service Sector Growth Increases in February - Thursday, March 04, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – Growth in the U.S. service sector accelerated in February to its fastest pace in more than two years, but jobs remained hard to find.

Gains in the U.S. economy have so far been led by a rebound in manufacturing, as companies slowed their inventory drawdowns and exports rose.

97. Reports Show Modest But Steady Economic Recovery - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) - Mixed reports Monday on manufacturing, construction and personal income and spending made clear that the economy is enjoying modest growth even though the recovery remains fragile.

98. Sharp Fall in Consumer Confidence Spurs Fears - Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans' outlook on the economy went into relapse in February. Rising job worries sent a key barometer of confidence to its lowest point in 10 months, raising concerns about the economic recovery.

99. Job Market Improvement May be Slowing, Data Show - Friday, February 19, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - Layoffs in the U.S. aren't slowing as fast as some analysts had expected.

That was the message Thursday in a government report that the number of Americans filing first-time claims for unemployment benefits rose unexpectedly last week. Jobless claims rose by 31,000 to a seasonally adjusted 473,000.

100. Data on Industry Output, Home Building Boost Hopes - Thursday, February 18, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hopes the U.S. economy can sustain its recovery drew support Wednesday from news industrial output rose for a seventh straight month and home construction hit a six-month peak in January.