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U.S. filings for unemployment benefits rose last week from the lowest level since 1973, consistent with a steady job market, Labor Department figures showed Oct. 26.

The U.S. merchandise-trade deficit widened to a four-month high as imports rose for the first time since April, according to preliminary figures released Oct. 26 by the Commerce Department. The report also showed inventories increased at wholesalers and fell at retailers.

U.S. purchases of new homes unexpectedly surged in September to the highest level in a decade as activity accelerated in the South after hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to government data Oct. 25.

U.S. orders for business equipment increased more than forecast in September, indicating solid investment momentum as the third quarter drew to a close, Commerce Department figures showed Oct. 25.

The U.S. posted its largest budget deficit since 2013 in the fiscal year that just ended, as a pickup in spending exceeded revenue gains.

It appears Hurricane Harvey will inflict little long-term disruption on the Texas regional economy, which continued to expand at a “moderate pace” over the past six weeks despite the giant storm, according to a report Oct. 18 from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Americans grew more pessimistic this month about the direction of the economy, though a measure of consumer sentiment rose in the most recent week, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Oct. 19.

Filings for unemployment benefits plunged last week to the lowest level since 1973 as workers affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma continued to return to their jobs, Labor Department figures showed Oct. 19.

A larger-than-forecast decline in U.S. new- home construction reflected the weakest pace of building in the South since October 2015, showing the fallout from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to government figures Oct. 18.

A rebound in homebuilders’ confidence to a five-month high indicates concern over fallout from major hurricanes has been alleviated, according to data Oct. 17 from the National Association of ������ý Builders/Wells Fargo.