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Purchases of new homes in the U.S. unexpectedly rose in February to a seven-year high as stronger job gains helped bolster industry activity amid severe weather.

Sales of previously owned homes fell short of a 5 million annual rate in February for a second month, showing an industry struggling to gain traction amid rising prices and a lack of inventory.

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders unexpectedly fell in March to an eight-month low as prospective buyers were in little rush to shop for properties ahead of the busier spring selling season.

Consumer confidence declined in March to a four-month low as optimism about the U.S. economy was tempered by weaker income expectations and a rebound in gasoline prices.

Orders for durable goods rose in January for the first time in three months, showing manufacturing may be starting to stabilize as companies look beyond weaker global markets and cutbacks among energy producers.

Factory production rose less than forecast in January as motor vehicle assemblies declined along with demand for construction materials, indicating U.S. manufacturing is moderating.

Consumer confidence fell in February as gas prices started to rise from a six-year low and damped Americans’ optimism about the economy.

Applications for unemployment benefits climbed last week to a level that’s consistent with progress in the U.S. labor market.