By Martin Crutsinger AP Economics Writer Washington — Builders began work on fewer homes, shopping centers and other projects in 2010, pushing total building activity down to the lowest point in a decade. Construction spending dropped 10.3 percent last year, ...

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By Joe Yovino Spending from the Federal government’s stimulus program is helping the construction industry, albeit slower than many expected. That’s according to Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America. Simonson spoke Thursday during an industrywide ...

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By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction spending rose in August as a big jump in government building projects offset further weakness in the private sector. Construction spending edged up 0.4 percent in August following a 1.4 percent drop ...

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By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction activity surged in April by the largest amount in nearly a decade. The unexpected gains could mean the hardest-hit sector of the economy is starting to recover. Construction shot up ...

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By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal spending jumped by a larger amount than expected in January but Americans’ incomes barely budged as millions of Social Security recipients did not get their usual cost of living boost. ...

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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to the lowest total in a month, a sign the job market may be improving. ...

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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal incomes rose more than expected in December and consumer spending increased for the third straight month, helping the economy slowly recover from the worst recession in decades. The Commerce ...

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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy grew faster than expected at the end of last year, though the engine of that growth — companies replenishing stockpiles — is likely to weaken as consumers keep ...

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By Paul Snyder Wisconsin’s Republican gubernatorial candidates are blasting Gov. Jim Doyle and the state Legislature for failing to fix the state’s transportation spending problems. Both candidates — Mark Neumann and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker — also share the ...

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By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months while spending posted a second straight increase, raising hopes that that the recovery from the nation’s deep recession might ...

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