Latest weekly figures suggest modest improvement in labor market continues.

The U.S. trade deficit widened in August as U.S. goods exports fell for the fifth consecutive month.

U.S. employers advertised slightly fewer jobs in August than July, while they filled the most positions in three months, offering a mixed signal for the job market.

A polarised Washington that cannot find a way around the looming "fiscal cliff" threatens growth, IMF First Deputy Managing Director David Lipton says.

Unemployment rate falls to 7.8%, lowest since 2009, as nonfarm payrolls rose by 114,000 in September.

Jack Welch provoked cries of outrage in Washington when he appeared to accuse the White House of manipulating September job figures for political gains.

Reduced state aid, escalating pension and health care costs and lower property tax collections sustain budget strain.

A disappointing rebound in U.S. housing continues to trip up the country's overall economic recovery, two influential Federal Reserve officials said.