U.S. service sector growth slows in November: ISM survey
NEW YORK (Reuters) – The pace of growth in the U.S. services sector slowed in November with employment and business activity expanding at lower rates, according to an industry report released on Wednesday.
New home sales surge in October, supply dwindles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales of new U.S. single-family homes recorded their biggest increase in nearly 33-1/2 years in October, suggesting the housing market recovery remains intact despite higher mortgage rates.
Exchange-traded fund strategists make hay on industry boom
NEW YORK (Reuters) – As the $2.2 trillion exchange-traded fund industry grows at a rapid clip, a group of investment consultants who specialize in creating portfolios of the funds – so-called ETF strategists – are reaping high returns.
U.S. car buyers borrow more as rates fall and standards loosen
(Reuters) – U.S. consumers buyers are taking out bigger car loans with longer pay-back periods as lenders offer lower interest rates and accept borrowers with weaker credit ratings, a report released on Wednesday showed.
HP to cut 1,124 jobs in UK
LONDON (Reuters) – U.S. computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co is set to cut 1,124 jobs in Britain as part of plans to lay off 27,000 employees globally by the end of 2014, the company said on Wednesday.
U.S. private sector activity bounces back in November: Markit
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. private sector economic activity bounced back in November, lifted by expansion in the services sector, an industry report showed on Wednesday.
U.S. trade deficit narrows as exports hit record high
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October as exports hit a record high, pointing to a pick-up in global demand that should help to support domestic growth in the fourth quarter.
U.S. mortgage applications slide for fifth straight week: MBA
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Applications for U.S. home loans tumbled in the latest week, led by a sharp slide in refinancing applications, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday.
Apparel retailer Express warns of weak holiday quarter
(Reuters) – Apparel retailer Express Inc joined other U.S. retailers in forecasting a weaker-than-expected holiday quarter due to muted Thanksgiving sales and a highly promotional environment.
Tesco’s problems mount as UK sales resume decline
LONDON (Reuters) – Tesco’s sales fell in Britain and abroad in the third quarter, casting fresh doubt over Chief Executive Philip Clarke’s 1 billion pound ($1.6 billion) effort to reinvigorate the world’s third-biggest retailer.
