Economic indicators

Private-sector employment increased by 163,000 in August, on a seasonally adjusted basis, ADP estimated Thursday.

The New York economy gained again in August, with current conditions at a multi-year high.

The U.S. international trade gap widened to $50.1 billion in July, a slightly wider gap than the $50.0 billion deficit expected.

Construction spending rose by 0.1% in July, below the 0.4% gain expected, as residential construction saw gains but nonresidential construction saw declines.

The overall economy grew for the 112th straight time, the Institute for Supply Management reported Tuesday.

U.S. consumer sentiment fell by less than expected in August

The MNI Chicago Business Barometer slipped 1.9 points to a three-month low of 63.6 in August.

Initial claims for U.S. state unemployment benefits rose by 3,000 to 213,000 in the August 25 week, as expected.

U.S. consumer spending extended gains into July and inflation rose to a six-year high, reflecting economic strength that should keep Federal Reserve policy makers on track to keep gradually raising interest rates.

Pending home sales slipped 0.7% to an index reading of 106.2 in July, after a revised 1.0% gain to 107.0 in June.

The U.S. economy expanded in the second quarter at a slightly faster pace than previously estimated.

The revenue index dropped to 21.5, from 25.4, a three-year high.

Service sector “activity was robust in August,” according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond service-sector activity survey.

Firms reported difficulty finding skilled workers, as manufacturing expansion continued.

The consumer confidence index increased to 133.4 in August from a revised 127.9 last month.

Home prices rose 6.2% on an annual basis in June, not seasonally adjusted, down from a 6.4% gain in May.

Texas factory activity growth, as measured by the production index, “maintained its strong momentum in August.”

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for July declined to 0.13 from an upwardly revised 0.48 in June.

The value of U.S. durable goods new orders fell by 1.7% in July, a larger loss than the 1.3% fall expected.

Respondents to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's monthly manufacturing survey reported slightly weaker activity in August.