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

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.

WASHINGTON

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

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S.