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Champagne wasn’t the only thing bubbling at the start of 2017 for U.S. manufacturers: So was inflation, a potential warning sign in an otherwise broadly positive report on American factories.

American manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in two years, reflecting firmer output and the biggest pickup in orders growth since August 2009.

Household confidence in the United States is closing in on its best year since before the latest recession, according to figures in the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Dec. 29.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits fell for a third week in the past four, showing a resilient labor market.

Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly decreased in November on a sudden pickup in mortgage rates and limited inventory, according to figures released Dec. 28 from the National Association of Realtors in Washington.

Consumer confidence climbed in December to the highest level since August 2001 as Americans were more upbeat about the outlook than at any time in the last 13 years, according to a report Dec. 27 from the New York-based Conference Board.

Purchases of new U.S. homes increased in November to the second-fastest pace in almost nine years as the beginning of a spike in mortgage rates persuaded buyers to quickly sign contracts.

The U.S. economy expanded more than previously reported last quarter on bigger contributions from a range of factors such as services spending, intellectual property and construction by state and local governments.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly increased in November to the strongest level since early 2007, ahead of a jump in borrowing costs, National Association of Realtors data showed Dec. 21.

New-home construction in the U.S. fell more than forecast in November after surging a month earlier to a nine-year high, indicating fitful progress in residential real estate.