Research Center

Builder confidence remains mired in pessimism; the economy is still the biggest concern for most Americans; and the United States has officially hit its debt ceiling, meaning default looms large.

While the consumer price index rose in April, led by food and energy, real hourly earnings fell behind. And while the Sahara in Vegas closes, another giant casino opens in China.

The Treasury reports that mortgage fraud was up 5 percent last year; the amount of money in retirement plans is cresting; and the country’s largest banks will receive a wrist-slap for robo-signing.

Light peeks through in the job market; U.S. exports are at an all-time high; and oil and commodities continue to slide.

The National Association of Realtors has its own melancholy home-price numbers to report; small-business owners are pessimistic about the future; and freshman members of Congress are frustrating those who have seen us approach a debt ceiling before.

Zillow reports that home values were down 3 percent in the first quarter; April’s Conference Board index points to negative employment indicators; and congressional leaders ram heads over the debt ceiling.

The economy added 244,000 jobs in April; a commodity price index drops steeply; and consumer credit expands.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on hiring turned out better than expected; retailers reported strong sales in April; and a few commodities showed symptoms associated with bubbles popping.