US retail sales decline, jobless claims higher - 2004-02-12
US retail sales declined in January as car-buying slowed, and weekly jobless claims rose, data showed, casting uncertainty over the economic pace in early 2004.

American consumers, their wallets fattened by tax cuts and rock-bottom mortgage rates, have been the driver of the economy through the doldrums of the past three years.
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Twin Cities home sales freeze in January - 2004-02-12
As Minnesotans shivered in January's deep freeze, Twin Cities-area home sales seems to oe in hibernation -- with results that suggest good shopping ahead for buyers.

"They're going to have more to choose from." She said the inventory foretells a very busy spring market: Mortgage interest rates remain under 6 percent, the economy is improving and "the buyers are out there."
Read the full story at Star Tribune