Ford says market rebound helps deficit

The recent surge in financial markets has reduced Ford Motor Co.'s U.S. pension liabilities by $1 billion and the world's second biggest automaker's restructuring program is on track, top Ford executives said Monday.

The Dearborn-based company had faced an $6 billion deficit at the end of October.

Construction spending posts modest increase

Construction spending edged up 0.3 percent in October, with the strength centered in construction of non-residential buildings.

The Commerce Department reported Monday that spending on building around the nation rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $834.6 billion in October.

Rates mixed in Treasury auctions

Interest rates on short-term Treasury bills were mixed in Monday's auction, with six-month bills rising to the highest level in a month while rates on three-month bills were unchanged.

The Treasury Department auctioned $14 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 1.210 percent.

An additional $15 billion in six-month bills was auctioned at a discount rate of 1.290 percent.