17 years

Dour news continued for the battered housing sector as the pace of new home sales fell to its lowest level in 17 years in August, according to a key government report released Thursday.

The holiday shopping season, crucial to retailers, is shaping up as the worst in 17 years. Retailers are devising strategies to limit the damage.

Crude drops below $114, and financials push the Dow up more than 100 points. Wal-Mart gives cautious guidance as second-quarter results beat the Street.

Consumer prices rise at the fastest pace in 17 years. Home foreclosures soar.

The annual inflation rate surged to 5.6% in July - the highest point in 17 years, the government announced Thursday.

The news that housing starts have fallen to their lowest level in 17 years sounds like one more reason to be depressed about the shrinking value of your home .

In fact, it's an almost certain sign that the path to a housing recovery is finally in sight.

The soaring price of gas has convinced New Jersey resident Eric Scott to trade the comfort of his car for a seat on the train every morning after 17 years of driving to the office.

Poor families are getting squeezed by rising food prices, and the problem is getting worse: Inflation at the wholesale level soared last month at nearly triple the expected rate.