Business/Economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 58 million retirees and disabled Americans will get no increase in Social Security benefits next year, the second year in a row without a raise.

The Social Security Administration said Friday inflation has been too low since the last increase in 2009 to warrant an increase for 2011. The announcement marks only the second year without an increase since automatic adjustments for inflation were adopted in 1975. The first year was this year.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lenders seized more U.S. homes this summer than in any three-month stretch since the housing market began to bust in 2006. But many of the foreclosures may be challenged in court later because of allegations that banks evicted people without reading the documents.

NEW YORK (AP) — Surging prices for metals, oil and other commodities lifted stock prices on Wednesday, especially industrial and materials companies.

Strong corporate earnings reports from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Intel Corp. and railroad operator CSX Corp. also gave investors more reasons to be assured about the economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Officials in 49 states have launched a joint investigation into allegations that mortgage companies mishandled documents and broke laws in foreclosing on hundreds of thousands of homeowners.

The officials, including attorneys general and bank regulators, will examine whether mortgage company employees made false statements or prepared documents improperly.