Jobless claims ease but four-week average rises

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week but a trend reading rose to its highest since January, the latest sign of a weaker pace of healing in the still-struggling labor market.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, according to a government

A raft of economic data out this morning boosted North American markets this morning as news on everything from retails sales to the labour market came in better than expected. Here’s the roundup:  Americans brave weather to buy, buy, buy WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose slightly more than expected in February, pointing to some strength in the economy after harsh weather abruptly slowed activity in recent months.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, which could ease fears of a marked deterioration in labour market conditions after a surprise stumble in job growth in March.

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U.S. retail sales grow most in 5 months, signalling strengthening economy WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rose solidly in November as Americans bought automobiles and a range of other goods, adding to signs of a strengthening economy that could draw the Federal Reserve closer to reducing the pace of monetary stimulus. The Commerce Department said on Thursday retail sales increased 0.7% last month after rising by a revised 0.6% in October. November’s retail sales increase was the largest in five months.

WASHINGTON – The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment aid fell last week to nearly its lowest level in 4 1/2 years, a sign that the labour market is healing. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 350,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The prior week’s figure was revised to show 1,000 more applications than previously reported.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims