Factories, builders boost the U.S. economy

U.S. manufactures ended 2011 with their biggest month of growth since late spring and factories have hired more workers in December since April 2011. The construction industry spent more money on projects for the third time in four months, specifically the builders spent more on single-family homes, apartments and remodeling projects. The data add hopes to an economic recovery in 2012 as they correlate with other positive signs for the economy. These signs are increased consumer confidence, unemployment benefit applications have gone down and the unemployment rate is at a 3 1/2 year low.