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U.S. consumer sentiment exceeded analyst estimates in January as the outlook for jobs and household income improved, University of Michigan survey data showed Feb. 2.

U.S. hiring picked up in January and wages rose at the fastest annual pace since the recession ended, as the economy’s steady move toward full employment extended into 2018.

U.S. consumer confidence, along with a measure of Americans’ views of the economy, advanced last week to the highest levels in nearly 17 years, the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index showed Feb. 1.

U.S. factories expanded more than forecast in January and near the fastest pace in more than 13 years, indicating manufacturing was still powering ahead at the start of 2018, Institute for Supply Management data showed Feb. 1.

Productivity in the U.S. unexpectedly fell for the first time since early 2016 as working hours slightly outpaced output, underscoring a sluggish pace of efficiency gains during this expansion, a Labor Department report showed Feb. 1.

A measure of contract signings to buy existing U.S. homes rose in December for a third month, giving sales some momentum at the start of 2018, according to data released Jan. 31 by the National Association of Realtors.

°®¶¹´«Ã½ prices in 20 U.S. cities increased in November by the most in more than three years, underscoring a lingering scarcity of housing inventory, according to S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller data released Jan. 30.

U.S. consumer confidence was stronger than expected in January and hovering near a 17-year high as households grew somewhat more upbeat about employment and the economy, according to figures out Jan. 30 from the Conference Board in New York.

U.S. consumer spending rose at a solid pace in December after an upwardly revised advance a month earlier as shoppers splurged during the holiday season. While incomes also rose, the saving rate fell to a fresh 12-year low.

Despite fourth-quarter U.S. growth missing forecasts, the world’s largest economy is doing just fine. The latest results also underscore just how challenging it will be to reach President Donald Trump’s goal of a sustained 3% pace.