Japan’s core machinery orders, a closely watched indicator of corporate capital spending, jumped in June for the first time in four months, the government said Monday.

The Federal Reserve meets this week with the delicate task of curbing a surge in expectations that it is ready to starting raising interest rates, without snuffing out crucial optimism on the economy.

WASHINGTON — With the economy strengthening but still fragile, Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to hold a key lending rate at a record low this week and will weigh whether to extend some programs that were created to ease the financial crisis.

Now that housing and even unemployment are showing signs of improvement, Wall Street wants consumers to do their part to heal the economy.

Wall Street’s rally could persist this week as investors’ conviction grows that the U.S. economy is on track for a recovery. But retailers’ results, CPI and other consumer data could cast a pall if shoppers fail to show signs of life.

If President Barack Obama wants to take the measure of his opposition, he only has to glance across Lafayette Park from the White House. There, behind 10 massive Corinthian columns, is the headquarters of the U.S.

Sleep is a rare commodity for Juan Cortez. Between nights spent clearing tables at a Manhattan nightclub and days running food to customers in a Bronx restaurant, the 42-year-old Peruvian immigrant worries more about finding time for shuteye than job security.

Sleep is a rare commodity for Juan Cortez. Between nights spent clearing tables at a Manhattan nightclub and days running food to customers in a Bronx restaurant, the 42-year-old Peruvian immigrant worries more about finding time for shuteye than job security.