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Factory production fell more than forecast in May, reflecting declining output of vehicles and business equipment that show U.S. manufacturing is still hobbled by weak global demand.

Job openings unexpectedly rose in April to match the highest level since records began in 2000, showing underlying demand in the labor market ahead of a sharp deceleration in payrolls last month, according to the Labor Department.

Purchases of new homes in the United States surged in April to the highest level since the start of 2008, pointing to a robust spring selling season for builders.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits declined last week from a more than one-year high, as a plunge in New York returned claims to a level consistent with a firm labor market.

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders held steady in May, signaling limited progress in residential real estate during the busy spring selling season, National Association of °®¶¹´«Ã½ Builders/Wells Fargo data showed May 16.

Sales at retailers jumped in April by the most in a year, indicating consumer spending will help the U.S. economy recover from a slowdown earlier this year.

U.S. wholesale prices rose in April for the first time in three months, buoyed by firmer costs for portfolio management services.

Consumer confidence fell last week to a five-month low as Americans became more downbeat about the economy, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort data showed May 12.

Applications for unemployment benefits increased to a five-week high, a sign that progress in the strongest part of the U.S. economy may be moderating.

America’s trade deficit shrank more than forecast in March as imports fell in percentage terms by the most in seven years and outpaced a decline in shipments overseas.