U.S. construction spending rises unexpectedly

Investment in U.S. construction edged up by a surprise 0.2 percent in September, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. The increase followed a 0.6 percent decline in August. In a Reuters poll, economists forecast a drop of 0.5 percent. In the private sector, spending was up 0.4 percent, following a 0.7 percent decrease in August.