By ?MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Builders began work last year on the second fewest number of homes in more than half a century, as the weak economy kept people from buying houses. Builders broke ground on ...

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By Martin Crutsinger AP Economics Writer Washington — Sales of previously owned homes slipped slightly in October as the housing market continues to battle tough economic conditions including high unemployment and tight credit. The National Association of Realtors reported Tuesday ...

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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for unemployment benefits fell last week for the fourth time in five weeks, a sign that layoffs are declining. According to a Labor Department report on Thursday, initial claims ...

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By Christopher S. Rugaber AP Economics Writer Washington — New requests for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, the first decline in a month and an upbeat sign after a raft of negative economic reports. New claims for jobless aid ...

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By Alan Zibel AP Real Estate Writer Washington — Sales of new homes rose last month, but it was the second-weakest month on record. The lackluster economy has made potential buyers skittish about shopping for homes. New home sales rose ...

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Washington (AP) — New jobless claims increased last week by the most since February, reversing the previous week’s sharp decline. The rise is partly a result of seasonal factors but also reflects a weak job market. New claims for unemployment ...

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Martin Crutsinger AP Economics Writer Washington — A handful of economic reports released Thursday raised hopes for an improving job market with fewer layoffs and more hiring. Productivity slowed more than initially estimated in the first quarter of the year, ...

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By Tali Arbel AP Business Writer New York (AP) — The service sector expanded in April, with business activity accelerating at the strongest pace in four years. According to the Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, ...

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By Alan Zibel AP Real Estate Writer Washington (AP) — The number of buyers who signed contracts to purchase homes surged more than expected in March, another sign that government incentives are propelling the housing market this spring. According to ...

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Washington — The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits dropped for a second consecutive week, further evidence that the job market is slowly improving.

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