Economy, Good News | featured news

Manufacturing grew in April at the strongest rate in 10 months, easing concerns the economy had lost momentum at the start of the second quarter.

When it comes to the economic recovery, timing is everything — and so far, it’s been off. Take the market performance of housing and autos, two big-ticket purchases that traditionally have moved in tandem. But new data released this week showed housing prices and new home sales dropping off at the same time that auto sales were peaking.

A healthier job market and warmer weather encouraged more Americans to shop in March.

The relentless decline in home prices is nearing an end and prices should rise for the first time in seven years in 2013, but a possible new wave of foreclosures could threaten the recovery, according a Reuters poll of economists.

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell to a four-year low last week, suggesting employers kept hiring in March at a healthy pace.

Retailers are reporting warm weather and demand for new spring fashions helped push March sales up.

New orders for U.S. factory goods rebounded in February and firms increased orders for capital goods, suggesting manufacturing held on to some momentum early in the year.

The auto industry looks set to ride the appeal of smaller cars to its best monthly performance since 2008. Chrysler reported a 34 percent increase in March auto sales.

The pace of growth in the manufacturing sector picked up a tad in March, while new orders dipped modestly, according to an industry report released on Mon day.

Spending rose by the most in seven months, raising hopes that first quarter economic growth may have been stronger than expected.