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WASHINGTON — U.S. service firms grew in December at the slowest pace in five months, a possible indication that various headwinds from turbulent markets to trade tensions could be having an impact on economic activity.

WASHINGTON — U.S. productivity grew at an annual rate of 2.3% in the July-September quarter, slower than the previous quarter but still an improvement over the weak annual gains of the past decade. Labor costs rose at a modest pace in the third quarter.

WASHINGTON — Spending on U.S. construction projections fell 0.1% in October, the third consecutive monthly decline, as weakness in home building and non-residential construction offset a rebound in government projects.

WASHINGTON — Consumers boosted their spending in October at the fastest pace in seven months, while their incomes rose by the largest amount in nine months — both good signs for future economic growth.

WASHINGTON — Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods fell by the largest amount in 15 months with a key category that tracks business investment showing weakness for the third consecutive month.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve has left its key policy rate unchanged but signaled that it plans to keep responding to the strong U.S. economy with more interest rate hikes. The next rate increase is expected in December.

WASHINGTON — Spending on U.S. construction projects essentially was unchanged in September, the weakest showing since June, as an increase in home construction was offset by a slide in spending on government projects.

U.S. productivity grew at an annual rate of 2.2% in the third quarter, a slowdown from the previous quarter but still better than the lackluster gains of the last decade. Labor costs accelerated but remained at a low level.

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer spending edged up a slight 0.1% in September, a disappointing performance in which rebounding auto sales were offset by weakness in other areas.

WASHINGTON — Consumer prices edged up a slight 0.1% in September as energy prices retreated after a big gain in August