US Economy - Page 19

AFP - European stocks have soared as participants seized on positive earnings news, unchanged US interest rates and encouraging signs that the US economy was on track.

AFP - One year after Ben Bernanke took the helm at the Federal Reserve, the central bank appears to have achieved a sought-after "soft landing" for the US economy.

Reuters - A gauge of U.S. labor demand edged up in January, rebounding from December's sharp decline, as hirings picked up in some service sectors, Monster, the global online careers and recruiting firm, said on Thursday. More Info...  

Economy News

AP - The economy snapped out of a sluggish spell and grew at a faster-than-expected 3.5 percent pace in the final quarter of last year as consumers ratcheted up spending despite a painful housing slump.

AP - Pointing to a revved-up economy and encouraging news on inflation, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday and extended a half-year breather for U.S. borrowers. Wall Street surged in response.

Reuters - The U.S. economy grew at a stronger pace than expected in the final quarter of 2006 without raising inflation pressures, government data showed on Wednesday, as robust consumer spending more than offset the biggest slump in housing in 15 years. More Info...  

FT.com - The Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold on Wednesday at 5.25 per cent and retained its focus on inflation risks, as new data revealed that the US economy grew at an above-trend rate in the fourth quarter. More Info...  

FT.com - US Treasury bond prices strengthened on Wednesday after the Federal Open Market Committee's statement appeared to somewhat downplay inflation fears while at the same time upgrading its assessment of the outlook for the US economy. More Info...  

Reuters - The U.S. economy grew at a stronger pace than expected in the final quarter of 2006 without raising inflation pressures, government data showed on Wednesday, as robust consumer spending more than offset the biggest slump in housing in 15 years.

AP - Employers' costs to hire and retain workers moderated in the final quarter of 2006, which could ease concerns about the development of inflation pressures. More Info...  

AFP - US economic growth accelerated to a 3.5 percent pace in the fourth quarter of 2006, following a 2.0 percent pace in the third quarter, the government has said.

Economy News

AP - Consumers were feeling confident in January: The job market was chugging along and oil prices were down. Their optimism may dwindle, however, on concerns that job and wage growth may slow.

AFP - The dollar edged lower against the other main currencies as traders braced for the outcome of a monetary policy meeting of the Federal Reserve and a key report on the US economy.

Reuters - U.S. consumers' mood brightened slightly in January on a more favorable view of the labor market, a survey showed on Tuesday.

Economy News AP - Interest rates on short-term Treasury bills rose in Monday's auction, with the three-month bill climbing to the highest level in six years. More Info...  

AP - Interest rates on short-term Treasury bills rose in Monday's auction, with the three-month bill climbing to the highest level in six years. More Info...  

Economy News

AFP - After a surprising show of strength in the US economy, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming monetary policy meeting to see if the trend continues, analysts say.

AFP - After a surprising show of strength in the US economy, the Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates steady at its upcoming monetary policy meeting to see if the trend continues, analysts say.

Economy News

AP - New home sales fell in 2006 by the largest amount in 16 years, but they were up for a second straight month in December, raising hopes that the worst of the housing downturn is coming to an end.

AP - New home sales fell in 2006 by the largest amount in 16 years, but they were up for a second straight month in December, raising hopes that the worst of the housing downturn is coming to an end.