Lifestyle and Budget

Stockpiling spreads in UK economy ahead of Brexit

A series of surveys indicate that the British economy held up in February in the face of Brexit uncertainties but that much of the growth was due to firms and consumers stockpiling in case the country crashes out of the European Union with no deal.

Business Highlights

___ Huawei pleads not guilty to trade secrets charges in Seattle SEATTLE (AP) — The Chinese tech giant Huawei has pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges that it stole trade secrets from T-Mobile.

Homebuilders face affordability hurdles this spring

A pullback in mortgage rates has helped boost homebuilder stocks this year after a dismal 2018, when the U.S. housing market slowed under the weight of higher borrowing costs, rising prices and a thin supply of homes for sale.