Puerto Rico’s struggling economy contracted 5.5 percent in the fiscal year that ended June 30, extending the U.S. territory’s historic downturn, the chief of the government’s planning board said Friday.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes jumped more than expected in July to their highest level in almost two years, an industry group said Friday,…

U.S., U.K. to recover by end of ’10

Is it game over for the recession? Or will consumers stay in hibernation? Investors will watch next week’s new home sales and consumer data to see if the economy’s recovery is on track and whether U.S. stocks — now at 2009 highs — will extend their rally.

Nevada’s unemployment rate hit a record in July, climbing to 12.5 percent statewide and 13.1 percent in Las Vegas, according to a state report issued Friday.

Investors returned to the commodities market Friday in a big way, sending prices for copper, silver and oil sharply higher amid clearer signs the economy is healing.

NEW YORK—-Fitch Ratings has assigned an ‘A-’ rating to Pend Oreille Public Utility District No. 1, Washington’s approximately $70 million in Box Canyon Production System revenue bonds, aeries 2009A and 2009B .

Dow Jones & Co Inc has been talking to potential buyers about the sale of its stock market index business, including the Dow Jones industrial average , the company’s Wall Street Journal reported on its website.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Friday offered his most optimistic outlook since the financial crisis struck, saying the economy is on the verge of growing again.

Shares of Texas Industries Inc. rose as it clashed publicly with a private equity fund founded by a nephew of Walt Disney.