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U.S. job openings unexpectedly fell in November to a six-month low, though the level is still consistent with an improving labor market, Labor Department data showed Jan. 9.

U.S. consumer credit outstanding rose in November by the most in 16 years as credit-card balances surged, Federal Reserve data showed Jan. 8.

America’s service industries expanded in December at the weakest pace in four months as orders cooled at companies that make up the bulk of the economy, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed Jan. 5.

The U.S. trade deficit in November reached the highest level in almost six years as an increase in imports exceeded a gain in shipments overseas, Commerce Department data showed Jan. 5.

U.S. payroll gains slowed by more than forecast in December, wages picked up slightly and the jobless rate held at the lowest level since 2000, adding to signs of a full-employment economy.

American consumers last year were more upbeat on average than at any time since 2001, reflecting more favorable views of the economy, personal finances and the buying climate, according to the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index released Jan. 4.

Payrolls at U.S. companies increased in December by the most in nine months, consistent with further progress in the labor market, according to data released Jan. 4 from the ADP Research Institute in Roseland, N.J.

A winter storm sweeping the U.S. East Coast after a week of very low temperatures is probably boosting demand for boots and mittens — and thanks in part to its timing, it shouldn’t chill economic data more broadly.

U.S. manufacturing expanded in December at the fastest pace in three months, as gains in orders and production capped the strongest year for factories since 2004, the Institute for Supply Management said Jan. 3.

Wall Street doesn’t think corporate America will have a hard time coming up with those employee bonuses that were promised after taxes were slashed.