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.

The Chrysanthemum, a Standby, Gets Competition in the Garden
Mums may be the best well-known flowering plant for the fall but there are other options for those looking for variety in outdoor blooms this season.

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.