U.S. Home Construction Jumps; Fed Report Notes Cooling Signs

U.S. Home Construction Jumps; Fed Report Notes Cooling Signs
Housing starts increased 3.4% in September and building permits rose 2.4%. The Fed's 'beige book' found rising prices nationwide, and policy makers suggested that more interest-rate increases are to come.

Pleather Goes Upscale: What's Next in Furniture
As retailers looks for novel designs to distract shoppers from the price increases they are announcing this month, it is pinning some of its hopes on a big -- and risky -- move into faux leathers and animal skins.

The Riskiest Housing Markets: A Drop in Home Prices Forecast
Boston and San Diego are among the areas poised for declines in home values, a study says. They have a more than 50% chance of a fall in prices during the next two years.