Markets

Sales of new U.S. homes in January fell to the weakest pace since October, driven by a decline in the Midwest as still-elevated prices keep buyers on the sidelines.

Import prices rose 0.6% in February, the largest rise since May, compared with expectations for a 0.4% gain.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose to a four-week high and exceeded estimates, a sign the labor market may be softening somewhat even as it remains strong overall.

In his waning days, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel won approval for several development projects and a new money GO issue.

Municipal bonds held firm Wednesday as deals swarmed into the market from issuers in Virginia, New York and Texas.

Reps. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio and Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., are also drumming up support for the muni market's role in infrastructure finance.

Construction spending was up 1.3% in January.

Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment rebounded in January.

The February PPI data were below expectations, lowering the year-over-year rates slightly

D.A. Davidson will expand its presence in Oklahoma and Texas with the acquisition of Wells Nelson.