WASHINGTON: The United States economy is showing some scattered signs of picking up from an end-of-year slowdown, muddying president Joe Biden’s efforts to win congressional passage of a US$1.9 trillion stimulus package.
New claims filed for unemployment benefits have fallen for two straight weeks, while January payrolls are forecast to rebound from a December swoon in data out on Friday.
Managers in charge of buying supplies for US companies reported increased business last month and homebuilders said demand remained robust.
...