BRIEFLY US home prices climb in October

BRIEFLY

US home prices climb in October

WASHINGTON (AP) — Steady job growth, low mortgage rates and tight inventories helped fuel rising U.S. home prices in October. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index rose 5.5 percent in the 12 months ending in October, up from a 5.4 percent pace in September, according to a report released Tuesday. Home values have climbed at a roughly 5 percent pace during much of 2015, as strong hiring has bolstered a real estate market still recovering from a housing bust that triggered a recession eight years ago.

Job market lifts US consumer confidence

WASHINGTON (AP) — A stronger job market lifted consumer confidence in December, a business group said Tuesday. The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 96.5 this month from November’s revised 92.6. Americans were more optimistic about current conditions and about the future. Another gauge of Americans’ mood — the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index — rose this month to the highest level since July.

Macy’s recalls Martha Stewart frying pans

NEW YORK (AP) — Macy’s is recalling two Martha Stewart brand frying pans after customers said small metal discs popped off the pans and caused bruises, burns and welts.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday that there were seven reports of metal discs flying off the frying pans and three reports of injuries. The metal discs cover the rivets that attach the pan to the handle.