The average U.S. rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage fell to a new record low last week, and the rate on the 30-year fixed loan declined. Cheaper mortgages have encouraged more home-buying and refinancing.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to seasonally adjusted 324,000, the lowest since January 2008. The drop points to fewer layoffs and possibly more hiring.

U.S. worker productivity barely grew from January through March after shrinking in the final three months of 2012. Weak productivity growth could prompt employers to hire more if consumers and businesses continue to increase spending.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in March for a second month as the daily flow of imported crude oil dropped to the lowest level in 17 years. The deficit with China hit a three-year low.

Billionaire Warren Buffett says a key part of why he is optimistic about the nation's economic future is that America has begun to unleash the potential of women.

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation intended to eliminate a two-month delay in processing business paperwork in California.

Ford, GM, Chrysler and Nissan all reported double-digit U.S. sales increases last month, signaling the best April for car and truck sales in six years.

The shortage of homes is occurring just as ordinary Americans want to buy again. More of them feel confident about their job and retirement account. Mortgage rates are near historic lows. And prices are rising again.

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in March as the biggest drop in government projects in more than a decade overwhelmed strength in home building.

U.S. factory activity expanded at a slower pace in April compared with March as manufacturers pulled back sharply on hiring and cut their stockpiles.

A private survey shows U.S. companies added just 119,000 jobs in April, the fewest in seven months.

Americans' confidence in the economy jumped this month, helped by a better outlook for the job market and expectations for higher pay.