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Housing starts slumped in August after reaching the highest level in almost seven years, pointing to an uneven pickup in the U.S. residential real-estate market that will limit its contribution to economic growth.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits plunged last week to a two-month low, a sign the labor market continues to strengthen.

The cost of living in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in August for the first time in more than a year.

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose in September to a nine-year high, showing the industry is gaining ground and will be a source of momentum for the economy.

Wholesale prices in the U.S. were little changed in August from the prior month, restrained by a plunge in gasoline prices and a sign of limited inflation in the production pipeline.

Industrial production in the U.S. unexpectedly declined in August for the first time in seven months as auto manufacturing cooled.

American consumer confidence rose to the highest level in more than a year in September, as households’ views on the outlook for the economy brightened.

Sales at retailers climbed in August at the fastest pace in four months and prior readings were revised up, boosting prospects for U.S. economic growth this quarter.

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week to a two-month high, interrupting a steady decrease to the lowest level since before the last recession.

Visteon Corp., the auto-parts maker that was once a unit of Ford Motor Co., is exploring a plan to split into two companies, one focused on electronics and the other on climate controls, people familiar with the matter said.