Economic indicators

The U.S. international trade gap widened to $59.8 billion in December from $50.3 billion.

Private-sector employment increased by 183,000 in February, on a seasonally adjusted basis, ADP estimated Wednesday.

Lower mortgage rates and more-affordable properties offered some relief for buyers.

The U.S. services sector expanded at a faster pace in February as the non-manufacturing index climbed to 59.7.

The composite of the Leading Economic Index was revised to an unchanged level in January.

U.S. construction spending posted the smallest annual increase since 2011 as homebuilding slowed amid higher borrowing costs and a glut of apartments in some areas.

New York economic conditions slipped in February, with current conditions falling to their lowest level since June.

The University of Michigan's final February consumer sentiment index reading was 93.8.

The overall economy grew for the 118th straight time, the Institute for Supply Management reported Friday.

Americans' incomes unexpectedly fell in January, the first decline in about three years, following a surge in the prior month that reflected special dividends and farm subsidies.