In January, U.S. business inventories rose for the first time in a year in January, according to government reports which revealed that sales rose during the month as well.
Employment grew for the first time in seven months, beating expectations, as the jobless rate fell for a second straight month, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
Ceiling and flooring maker Armstrong Holdings Inc. reported a 17% rise in operating earnings, spurred by demand for its cabinets and easy-to-clean vinyl and laminate flooring.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported that factory orders rose a higher-than-expected 1.6% in January, to a seasonally adjusted $325.8 billion, after a revised 0.7% rise in December.