Fed may hike rates even in absence of inflation pickup: Lockhart

(Reuters) - Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank President Dennis Lockhart said on Monday the central bank may begin raising interest rates even if inflation is not clearly rising to its 2 percent target.

U.S. jobless claims dip; 2014 layoffs lowest in 17 years

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week and job cuts declined sharply in December, suggesting the labor market is tightening.

U.S. third-quarter wage gains largest since 2008

Oct 31 (Reuters) - - U.S. labor costs rose more than expected in the third quarter as wages recorded their largest gain since 2008, a sign that a long-awaited pick-up in wage growth was underway.

Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Rose in September to 14-Month High

Consumer confidence climbed in September to a 14-month high as Americans’ outlooks for the economy improved.

Consumer Comfort in U.S. Falls to Lowest Since Early June

Consumer confidence fell last week to an almost four-month low as Americans’ views of the economy and their finances deteriorated.

Canadian housing starts cool in August, seen moderating further

(Reuters) - Canadian housing starts cooled more than expected in August, while the previous month was also revised slightly lower, data showed on Tuesday, setting the stage for what is widely expected to be a slowing housing market as 2014 draws to a close.

Italian Bond Yields Fall to Record With Spain’s on ECB Outlook

Italian 10-year government bond yields fell to a record in the week on bets European Central Bank officials will maintain monetary stimulus even as their peers in the U.K. and U.S. consider tighter policy.

Jackson Hole Message Is Labor Markets Don’t Justify Higher Rates

Global central bankers led by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said labor markets still have further to heal before their economies can weather higher interest rates.

Fed's George says U.S. economy is ready for a rate hike: CNBC

(Reuters) - The time has come for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, a top U.S. central banker said on Thursday, citing improvements in the labor market.

Jobless Claims in U.S. in Past Month Drop to Eight-Year Low

Fewer Americans filed applications for unemployment insurance benefits over the past month than at any time in more than eight years, signaling employers are hanging on to workers as demand improves.

Jobs, factory data point to strengthening economy

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell last week and factory activity in the mid-Atlantic region accelerated in June, more evidence the economy was strengthening after a disastrous first quarter.

U.S. producer prices fall, but inflation still seen firming

(Reuters) - U.S. producer prices fell in May after two month of solid gains, but the decline was not enough to change perceptions that inflation pressures are steadily creeping up.

U.S. Economic Recovery Looks Distant as Growth Lingers

WASHINGTON — Recessions are always painful, but the Great Recession that ran from late 2007 to the middle of 2009 may have inflicted a new kind of pain: an era of slower growth.

Renzi’s Cabinet to Pass Italy Tax Cuts, Job Market Overhaul Plan

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s cabinet is poised to pass tax cuts worth as much as 10 billion euros ($14 billion) and approve plans to overhaul the labor market, as he sets out to jump-start the euro area’s third-biggest economy.

Australia jobless rate hits decade high, sinks A$

(Reuters) - Australia's jobless rate unexpectedly jumped to a decade high in January, intensifying concerns about the future of the manufacturing sector as global carmakers prepare to pull out.

Economic Growth in U.S. to Quicken Next Year, Lagarde Says

The International Monetary Fund is raising its outlook for the U.S. economy, as a budget deal in Washington and the Federal Reserve’s plan to taper its bond buying ease doubts about the future, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

A Public Works Boom in Japan Has Echoes From the Lost Decade

SAGA, Japan — The bulldozers started up with a rumble this year in this bucolic corner of southern Japan, unleashing a construction frenzy — and a sinking feeling of déjà vu.

Norway needs to wean economy off oil: finance minister

OSLO (Reuters) - Weak productivity growth is the Norwegian economy's biggest challenge and reducing reliance on its massive offshore oil sector is the new government's main priority, finance minister Siv Jensen said on Tuesday.

Spain’s Outlook Revised to Stable by Fitch

Fitch Ratings raised its outlook on Spain’s rating to stable from negative, saying the nation’s overhaul of banks has “advanced well” and financing conditions have improved.

U.S. consumer spending, inflation rise in June

(Reuters) - U.S. consumer spending increased and inflation pushed higher in June, which could strengthen expectations that the Federal Reserve will curtail its bond purchases later this year.