Department of Commerce Archives - The Delaware Gazette

Americans spending a bit more as gas prices fall

WASHINGTON — Americans are starting to see some relief from higher gas prices, a change that could revive the economy in the months ahead.

May 15 2012 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

US manufacturing grows at fastest pace since June

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. manufacturing grew last month at the fastest pace in 10 months. New orders, production and a measure of hiring all rose.

May 1 2012 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

US new-home sales off 7 percent in March

WASHINGTON — Sales of new homes fell in March by the largest amount in more than a year, indicating that the U.S. housing market remains under strain despite some modest signs of improvement.

Apr 24 2012 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

US factory output rises, but construction falls

WASHINGTON — U.S. factories stepped up hiring and production in March, the latest evidence that manufacturing is growing at a healthy pace and fueling the recovery.

Apr 2 2012 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

Banks lead stock rally; Nasdaq nears 3,000

NEW YORK — Banks dodged a big hit from the Greek debt crisis and rallied Thursday to lead the stock market higher. Strong retail sales and more encouraging news about the U.S. job market also helped stocks rise.

Mar 1 2012 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

Unemployment drops in three-quarters of US states

WASHINGTON — Unemployment rates fell in three-quarters of U.S. states last month, a sign that many parts of the country are experiencing modest job gains. Unemployment rates fell in 36 states in October and rose in only 5, the Labor Department said Tuesday. Rates were unchanged in 9 states. That’s the best showing since April, when rates fell in 39 states.

Nov 22 2011 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

US farm exports boom as rest of economy struggles

MINNEAPOLIS — As U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visits Vietnam and China to talk trade this week, he’s hoping to build on one of the few bright spots in the struggling American economy: agricultural exports.

Nov 18 2011 | Posted in AP News | Read More »

Consumers hit retail stores to give economy boost

WASHINGTON — Consumers are giving a modest lift to the economy. They spent more on trucks, electronics and building supplies in October to boost retail sales for the fifth straight month.

Nov 15 2011 | Posted in AP News | Read More »