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The Two-Way
Homes Prices Rise, Consumer Spending Flattens, Confidence Increases
July 31, 2012 The news on spending is a sign that consumers remain cautious even as their incomes are on the rise.
The Two-Way
Economy Slowed Further In Second Quarter
July 27, 2012 The nation's gross domestic product grew at a 1.5 percent annual rate, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates, down from a 2 percent pace in the first quarter.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Drop, Previous Week's Increase Erased
July 26, 2012 The decline was a surprise. Economists say the Labor Department has been having difficulty applying "seasonal adjustments" to the figures because of changes in the timing of annual shutdowns at auto plants.
The Two-Way
Mixed Signals: Sales Of Existing Homes Dipped, But Prices Rose
July 19, 2012 Sales fell 5.4 percent in June from May, but the median price rose 7.9 percent from a year earlier. Also, fewer homes were on the market because of foreclosures.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Rose By 34,000 Last Week
July 19, 2012 Claims continue at a pace signalling that the economy is still having trouble producing jobs.
The Two-Way
Housing Starts Hit Four-Year High
July 18, 2012 At an annual rate of 760,000, ground-breaking for construction of single-family homes, apartments and condominiums the pace rose 6.9 percent in June from May
The Two-Way
In 'Dour' Report, Fed's Bernanke Says Economy Has Decelerated
July 17, 2012 Though the central bank expects "moderate" economic growth in coming quarters, Bernanke offers a sober assessment of current conditions. But there is brighter news: Home builders say they're growing more confident about the housing sector's recovery.
The Two-Way
Even As Jobless Rate Stays High, Job Openings Continue To Grow
July 10, 2012 There were 3.6 million jobs open and ready to be filled in May if the right candidates came along, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this morning. So why aren't more people getting work? Maybe too many employers are being too picky.
The Two-Way
Just 80,000 Jobs Added In June; Unemployment Rate Stays At 8.2 Percent
July 6, 2012 Economists had been expecting slightly better job growth. The jobless rate has been above 8 percent since February 2009. The report adds to evidence that the economy is slowing again.
The Two-Way
Manufacturing Sector Shrank In June, Report Signals
July 2, 2012 The Institute for Supply Management says its June "PMI" index stood at 49.7, down from 53.5 and the first time in nearly three years that it wasn't above 50. That's the line between growth in manufacturing and contraction.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Dip Only Slightly; First-Quarter GDP Estimate Unchanged
June 28, 2012 Neither of today's economic reports change the picture. They add to evidence of sluggish growth.
The Two-Way
Orders For Durable Goods Rose In May
June 27, 2012 There was a 1.1 percent increase from April. That's more than was expected and could be a sign that the manufacturing sector continues to hold its own even as other parts of the economy are struggling.
The Two-Way
Home Prices Tick Up, Housing Market Recovery May Be Strengthening
June 26, 2012 The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices showed gains in nearly all major cities during April. While prices are still down from their boom-time highs, a recovery may be building.
The Two-Way
Jobless Claims Hold Steady; 387,000 Filed Last Week
June 21, 2012 They edged down by just 2,000 from the previous week.
The Two-Way
Signs Of Strength In Latest Housing Data
June 19, 2012 There was a 7.9 percent jump in the number of construction permits issued to home builders in May. And construction began on more single family homes than in April.
