Consumer Price Index: Paying Like It’s 1982

Inflation—sure to be a topic at this week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting—roared like a lion in November, jumping by nearly 7 percent year over year to its fastest pace in nearly 40 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

November Jobs Up by 210,000; Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.2%

The November employment report followed a recent and inconsistent pattern: employment rose in November, although well below expectations, while the unemployment rate fell sharply, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday.

November Consumer Confidence Declines; Outlook Mixed

The Conference Board, New York, said its Consumer Confidence Index decreased in November, following an increase in October. The Index now stands at 109.5, down from 111.6 in October.

October Existing Home Sales Edge Up 0.8%

Existing home sales rose in October for the second straight month, albeit just slightly, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday.

October Leading Economic Indicators Up Nearly 1%

The Conference Board, New York, said its Leading Economic Index for the U.S. increased by 0.9 percent in October to 118.3, following an 0.1 percent increase in September and an 0.7 percent increase in August.

Housing Starts Fall 3rd Straight Month

Housing starts fell for the third straight month in October, HUD and the Census Bureau reported Wednesday, although multifamily starts picked up, as did housing permits.