U.S. Economy: Industrial Output Rises for Third Month - 2006-01-17
U.S. industrial production climbed for a third month in December and factories were the busiest in five years as companies increased investment and utility output jumped. Output at factories, mines and utilities climbed 0.6 percent after a revised 0.8 percent gain in November, the Federal Reserve declared today in Washington.
Read the full story at Bloomberg

California real estate loan risk levels increase - 2006-01-17
Lending institutions in California have elevated their scrutiny of home loan applications due to higher default risk, the result of a change in sales patterns and of a real estate market nearing the end of its boom cycle, a consumer Web site reported. Risk levels for new mortgages statewide climbed 28.6 percent from the first half of 2005 to the second half of the year.
Read the full story at Inman.com