AP - Consumer spending was weak for a fourth straight month in June as rising gasoline prices left Americans with little to spend on other items. Construction activity posted a stronger-than-expected advance, though, as a record level of government spending helped offset weakness in housing.

FT.com - London equities regained ground on Wednesday, as strong corporate newsflow overcame the concern at inflationary pressure within the US economy which led to a sell-off late in the previous session.

AP - America's factories saw orders grow by the largest amount in three months, retailers scored solid sales and the service sector expanded, though at a more moderate pace — encouraging signs that the economy remains in good shape.

AFP - The Federal Reserve has been driving up US borrowing costs ever since June 2004. That could be about to change, economists believe after compelling evidence that the US economy is hitting the brakes.

Reuters - The Bank of Japan, which last month raised interest rates for the first time in six years, is expected to keep its powder dry this week as it confirms that economic growth is slowing and with inflation yet to materialize.

Reuters - U.S. chain store sales rose in the first week of August, helped by back-to-school tax holidays in some states and summer clearance sales, a report showed on Tuesday.

FT.com - The Japanese stock market staged an about-turn on Wednesday, falling in the morning on gloom about the US economy but recovering in the afternoon after strong Japanese machinery order figures. The Nikkei 225 closed up 1.2 per cent to 15,656.59 while the broader Topix rose 1 per cent to 1,578.43.

AP - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by a larger amount than expected last week.

Reuters - U.S. import prices rose 0.9 percent in July, slightly faster than expectations, as petroleum costs jumped sharply, a government report showed on Friday.

AP - Picture Alaska and most people in the Lower 48 think abundant forests, picturesque bears, frosted tundra and perhaps the odd salmon.

Reuters - The Bureau of Labor Statistics is contemplating a change in the consumer price index that may have an impact on how markets and policymakers interpret inflation data, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing a government official.

Reuters - Surging revenues allowed U.S. states to grow their 2006 fiscal year-end aggregate surplus by nearly 25 percent to $57.1 billion, but this will shrink in the new fiscal year as the economy slows, according to a budget survey released on Tuesday.

Reuters - U.S. core consumer prices rose less than expected in July, the Labor Department said on Wednesday in a report showing some softening in prices that may reassure the Federal Reserve that inflation pressures are easing.

AP - An indicator of future economic activity dipped in July, a private research group reported Thursday, in the latest sign that economic growth is cooling off.

FT.com - Japanese stocks rose mildly on Friday, boosted by renewed confidence in the US economy because of lower oil prices.

FT.com - The dollar fell in European morning trade on Monday amid further signs that the US economy is grappling with an unhealthy mix of slowing growth but rising inflationary pressures.

AP - France's economy grew 1.1 percent in the second quarter as consumer spending rose 0.7 percent, national statistics agency Insee said Tuesday.

AP - Sales of previously owned homes plunged in July to the lowest level in 2 1/2 years and the inventory of unsold homes climbed to a new record high, fresh signs that the housing market has lost steam.

FT.com - Japanese stocks fell quite sharply on Thursday morning, mainly prompted by fears about the US economy.

Reuters - An 'unprecedented' pace of global economic integration could raise living standards and cut poverty, but those benefits could be stymied by geopolitical tensions or protectionism, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Friday.

Reuters - Investor optimism fell in August to a new low for the year as investors expressed growing concern about the slumping real estate market, according to the UBS/Gallup Index of Investor Optimism released on Monday.

AP - Worries about the job market caused consumers' confidence in the U.S. economy to tumble in August to its lowest level in nine months.

AFP - The US economy performed a little better than first thought in the second quarter, but growth is still flagging while inflation rises, a government report showed.

AFP - European stock markets have weakened in morning deals despite gains by Wall Street and in Asia owing to evidence that the US economy is stronger than expected.