US Economy improving: Auto, home sales on the up-swing - by Christophers Rugaber, Tom Krishher and Dee-Ann Durbin

Cheap loans and a bounty of fuel-efficient models enticed people to buy new vehicles at a brisk pace last month. And the nation enjoyed another year-over-year surge in home prices in August – a sign that the housing industry is making a sustained comeback.

Both trends reflect rising confidence in the economy. They show that more families are replacing aging cars, more homeowners are deciding to sell and more would-be buyers are concluding that a home is a good investment. Two surveys last week also reported improving consumer confidence.

The apparent progress could benefit President Barack Obama, who faces off with Mitt Romney today in an economy-focused debate just five weeks ahead of the election.

Read more: The Durango Herald 10/02/2012 | Auto, home sales help weak U.S. economy