Manufacturing optimism lifts European, US stock markets despite big Asian losses

European, US stocks up on manufacturing optimism

ISM trade group: US manufacturing in October shows strongest growth since April 2006

ISM: US manufacturing grows most since April ‘06

UK manufacturing survey logs first positive result in nearly 2 years

UK manufacturers more hopeful about economy

Manufacturing optimism lifts European stock markets despite big Asian losses

European stocks up on manufacturing optimism

Survey: China’s manufacturing sector expands in October for eighth straight month

Survey: China manufacturing grows for eighth month

The economy appears to be growing, but can it be sustained without government help?

Economic growth expected, but can it be sustained?

Durable goods orders rebound in September as machinery demand posts biggest jump in 18 months

Durable goods orders rise 1 percent in September

Stock futures point to lower opening as investors remain cautious about recovery

Stocks appear headed for slide

NEW YORK — Stocks were set to slide Wednesday as investors grew more cautious about the strength of an economic recovery.

Durable goods expected to post modest rebound in September after August slump

Ahead of the Bell: Durable Goods

WASHINGTON — Orders to factories for big-ticket durable goods likely grew in September after an August slump as strong demand for autos offset continuing weakness in aircraft.

South Korea’s economy grows 2.9 percent in 3rd quarter, fastest pace in over 7 years

SKorea’s economy grows at fastest pace in 7 years

German business confidence rises for 7th straight month in October

FRANKFURT — German business confidence rose for a seventh consecutive month in October as Europe’s largest economy showed more signs of recovery and firms’ outlook for exports improved, a survey found Friday.

Analysts expect leading economic indicators rose for 6th straight month in September

NEW YORK — Analysts expect a private sector group’s forecast of economic activity rose for the sixth straight month in September, a sign the economy will keep growing next year.

Concerns about oil prices and inflation rise as dollar hits 14-month low against euro

WASHINGTON — Hitting a 14-month low against the euro, the sinking dollar renewed concerns Wednesday about higher oil prices and other inflationary threats.

23 states report higher unemployment in September; slight improvements seen in the Midwest

WASHINGTON — Unemployment rose in 23 states last month as the economy struggled to create jobs in the early stages of the recovery.

Wholesale prices unexpectedly fall 0.6 percent in September on lower energy costs

WASHINGTON — Wholesale prices dropped unexpectedly in September due to lower energy costs, as inflation remains in check amid signs of a broad economic recovery.

Industrial production rises more than expected in September on higher auto, steel output

WASHINGTON — Output at the nation’s factories, mines and utilities rises for the third straight month, but some economists say the manufacturing growth that has helped lead the nascent economic recovery may slow as federal stimulus programs are phased out.

September retail sales drop 1.5 percent after end of Clunkers; some sales growth outside autos

WASHINGTON — Retail sales declined in September by the largest amount this year as car sales plummeted following the end of the government’s popular Cash for Clunkers program. But outside of autos, sales were better than expected.

September retail sales drop 1.5 percent, biggest decline in 9 months, as auto sales plunge

WASHINGTON — Retail sales declined in September by the largest amount this year as car sales plummeted following the end of the government’s popular Cash for Clunkers program.

China auto sales jump 78 percent in September as tax cuts, stimulus spur buying

SHANGHAI — China has widened its lead over the U.S. as the world’s top auto market, with September sales vaulting 78 percent, spurred by tax cuts and government stimulus spending.

State, local government budgets get brief relief from Clunkers taxes, but huge deficits remain

WASHINGTON — Struggling states and towns got a dose of badly needed money this summer from a Cash for Clunkers program that poured hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue into their budgets.