Final Economics Reports of 2010Some encouraging economic news is bringing the year to a close on what is considered the last trading day of note for 2010. The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest point in nearly two and a half years. The Labor Department says applications dropped by 34,000 to 388,000. Home sales are also doing well. The National Association of Realtors says the number of people who signed contracts to buy homes rose last month. It's the fourth increase since a low for such contracts in June.
