New home sales fall, but U.S. economy stays on solid ground

(Reuters) - Sales of new U.S. single-family homes fell for a second straight month in July, but a surge in the stock of properties on the market and slower price gains should help stimulate demand in the months ahead.

US jobless claims fall though storm distorts data

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, a sign the labor market's slow recovery was gaining traction although a severe storm distorted the data.