<p>A FedEx employee sorts packages next to his truck Tuesday in New York. The holiday season is the busiest of the year for the Memphis-based delivery company. Americans loosened the grips on their wallets and spent more last month, a hopeful sign as shoppers head into the holiday buying season.</p>
November 25, 2010
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November 25, 2010 8 p.m.
Consumers spend and earn more
Latest government data suggest an improving picture of the economy
WASHINGTON - Americans earned more and spent more last month, and the number of people applying for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in more than two years. At the same time, demand for long-lasting manufactured goods and new homes fell off.