Author: Ryan Haar

U.S. consumer sentiment plummeted to a seven-month low in August on growing concerns about the economy even as the labor market shows few signs of weakening from robust levels.

Sentiment among U.S. consumers fell the most in almost 10 months, led by dimmer views of the economy as market turmoil returned on another flareup in the U.S.-China trade war.

U.S. manufacturing activity deteriorated in July to an almost three-year low, dragged down by slower production and shaky export markets that help explain the Federal Reserve’s decision to reduce interest rates July 31.

U.S. manufacturing activity deteriorated in July to an almost three-year low, dragged down by slower production and shaky export markets that help explain the Federal Reserve’s decision to reduce interest rates July 31.

Job openings unexpectedly cooled in May for a second month, signaling a pause in demand for workers ahead of a surge in June payrolls growth that indicates a still-robust American labor market.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened in May to a five-month high amid a surge in imports after President Donald Trump’s decision to increase levies on $200 billion of items from China.

A weekly measure of Americans’ sentiment reached the second-highest level since 2000, adding to indications consumers remain generally upbeat even as respondents said in a monthly poll that they were somewhat less upbeat about their expectations for the economy.