Lifestyle and Budget

More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in July, a sign that buying has improved as mortgage rates have slipped, the number of listings has risen and the rate of price increases has slowed.

The average 30-year U.S. mortgage rate remained at a 52-week low this week.

Americans are doing a better job of making timely credit card payments, even as many lenders increasingly extend credit to more people with less-than-stellar credit.

Fewer Americans bought new homes in July, evidence that the housing sector is struggling to gain traction more than five years into the economic recovery.

Average U.S. rates on long-term fixed mortgages declined this week, with the 30-year loan rate hitting its 52-week low.

U.S. home construction rebounded in July, rising to the fastest pace in eight months and offering hope that housing has regained momentum after two months of declines.

New York's attorney general has announced a settlement with Forster & Garbus, a Long island-based debt collection firm, to ensure it doesn't file court claims against New Yorkers to collect on so-called payday loans for small amounts at high interest rates.

Average U.S. rates on long-term fixed mortgages declined this week.

U.S. consumers expanded their borrowing at a slower rate in June compared to the prior month.

The Department of Education is trying to make it easier for students with troubled credit histories to get college loans.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose slightly this week but remained near their lows for the year.

A person familiar with the matter says Bank of America has agreed to pay between $16 billion and $17 billion to settle an investigation into its sale of mortgage-backed securities before the financial crisis.

Average U.S. mortgage rates declined slightly this week, hovering near their lows for the year.

More than 35 percent of Americans have debts and unpaid bills that have been reported to collection agencies, according to a study released Tuesday by the Urban Institute.

___ US companies increasingly fish for growth overseas SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Major U.S. companies are starting to reap their most rapid growth in fertile lands of opportunity far from home.

Average U.S. rates on long-term fixed mortgages were stable to slightly higher this week.

Average U.S. long-term mortgage rates were stable to slightly higher this week, remaining near their lows for the year.

Average U.S. mortgage rates declined slightly this week with rates remaining near historic lows.

Colorado's two largest foreclosure law firms have been accused of defrauding homeowners, banks and investors.

Would-be home sellers across the country are grappling with a once-in-a-lifetime problem: They have mortgage rates so absurdly low it would hurt them financially to sell.