Author: YAN ZHANG, USA TODAY

The Dow turned volatile as the trade war between the US and China escalated the last two weeks, producing stock losers and winners.

Housing starts rose 5.7% in April, picking up momentum after slowing growth over the past few months. Building permits also rose, another good sign.

The Chinese government posted a defiant message about its trade war with the U.S. on social media. “Bully us, wishful thinking!” it said in part.

PepsiCo offered to settle its lawsuit against four Indian farmers over their cultivation of patented potato varieties.

Mortgage applications decreased 7.3% last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at its highest level in over a month, discouraging some home buyers