State & Nation Business

NEW YORK – The stock market is closing higher as investors anticipate that the Federal Reserve will keep programs to support the U.S. economy in place.

CHICAGO – United Airlines is making it a little harder to get a higher frequent-flier status.

WASHINGTON – U.S. builders stepped up home construction in May and applied for permits to build single-family homes at the fastest pace in five years. The gains show housing remains a key source of growth for the economy.

LE BOURGET, France – Boeing Co. won major orders from five customers for a stretched-out version of its popular 787 Dreamliner jet at the Paris Air Show Tuesday, further evidence of a strengthening market for more expensive long-haul jets.

WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices rose slightly in May as higher energy costs were partly offset by cheaper food. The small increase comes after two straight declines, underscoring that American consumers are benefiting from mild inflation.

NEW YORK – Stocks are closing higher as traders hope that the Federal Reserve will decide to continue its economic stimulus program when it meets this week.

WASHINGTON – Is the era of ultra-low interest rates nearing an end?

For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. economy is on sounder footing than it was a year ago but is still being restrained by government spending cuts and tax increases, the International Monetary Fund said Friday.

WASHINGTON – A rise in food and gas costs drove a measure of wholesale prices up sharply in May. But outside those volatile categories, inflation was mild.

WASHINGTON – U.S. factories barely increased their output in May after two months of declines, a sign that manufacturing is providing little support for the economy.

RICHMOND, Va. – Pork producer Smithfield Foods Inc.'s profit sank nearly 63 percent in the fourth quarter as feed costs rose even as consumers resist price hikes, hog prices fell and its exports to China and Russia declined.

PARIS – The Airbus A350's maiden flight ended with a safe landing on Friday, setting the stage for intensifying competition with U.S. rival Boeing in the long-haul wide-body aircraft market.

NEW YORK (AP) — A pair of better economic reports helped nudge the U.S. stock market up Thursday afternoon, even as the Japanese market plunged again.

WASHINGTON – Americans stepped up purchases at retail businesses in May, spending more on cars, home improvements and sporting goods. The gain shows consumers remain resilient despite higher taxes and could drive faster growth later this year.