Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe (No Other God Like You) Lyrics by Kijito Choir	Phakama! (Arise!) Lyrics by Zaza and Benjamin Dube	Advertisements Why the US economy is flashing conflicting signals - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com
WASHINGTON  Anyone puzzled by the most recent U.S. economic data has reason for feeling so: The numbers sketch a sometimes contradictory picture of the economy.
HOUSING After plunging when the housing bubble burst, home prices are finally rising steadily, according to the Standard & Poor�s/Case-Shiller index. The index rose in July compared with a year earlier. That was the second straight year-over-year gain. Still, the annual pace of new-home sales dipped in August from a two-year high in July. At the same time, sales were nearly 28 percent above the level a year earlier.
CONFIDENCE Americans are feeling better about the economy despite chronically weak job gains and pay levels that lag inflation. The private Conference Board�s index of consumer confidence is at a seven-month peak. A survey of consumer sentiment by the University of Michigan has reached its second-highest point in nearly five years. Both surveys found that consumers are lukewarm about current economic conditions but more optimistic about the future.
JOBS The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply in the week ending Sept. 22. That suggests that the weak job market could strengthen. The Good News: Weekly applications for unemployment benefits track layoffs. So the drop indicates that companies aren�t laying off many people.