Lucia Mutikani

New orders for key US-manufactured capital goods increased more than expected in August and data for the prior month was revised sharply higher, pointing to another quarter of robust growth ​in business spending on equipment amid an artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout.

The US current account deficit widened sharply in the second quarter amid a surge in imports of goods, government data showed ​on Thursday.

Sales of new US single-family homes surged to an eight-month high in August as buyers took advantage of price cuts and other incentives, but rising mortgage rates stemming ​from the war in the Middle East remain a drag on the housing ‌market.

US business activity raced to a more than five-year ‌high in September, fueled by a surge in new orders, though strong demand strained supply chains and pushed prices higher.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, though the decline was likely exaggerated by the Labor Day holiday, with the ​underlying trend pointing to continued labor market stability.

U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in August as households boosted purchases of a range of goods while also spending more at restaurants and bars, reinforcing the economy's resilience even as consumers grow more anxious ​about high inflation.

U.S. business inventories increased more than expected in July as retailers and wholesalers restocked to meet ​robust demand, suggesting that inventories could add to ‌economic growth in the third quarter.

U.S. consumer prices accelerated in August, while a key measure of underlying inflation posted its largest increase in four months, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest ​rates next week.

U.S. consumer sentiment deteriorated in early September as rising gasoline prices ​and trade tensions stoked fears of ‌higher inflation over the next 12 months, a survey showed on Friday.

The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting that ​layoffs remained low and continued to ‌anchor the labor market.