Jobless claims little changed last week

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits was little changed last week,

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 — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits dropped for a third straight week last week, the latest indication the labor market recovery was gaining traction. Other data on Thursday showed a spike in the cost of gasoline pushed up producer prices last month, but the lack of broad price pressures gives the Federal Reserve scope to maintain its very accommodative monetary policy stance even as the job market strengthens.

WASHINGTON — U.S. private-sector employers stepped up hiring in December, suggesting some momentum in the economy as the year ended, even as a budget crisis loomed. While other data on Thursday showed an increase in the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits, the trend remained consistent with steady job growth. “The underlying economy has momentum, and the employment data confirms that. The hope and prayer of the market is that our political leaders don’t screw it up,” said John Brady, managing director at R.J. O’Brien & Associates in Chicago.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment benefit

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell to its lowest since the early days of the 2007-09 recession, a hopeful sign for the sluggish labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 330,000, the lowest level since January 2008, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Claims have now fallen for two straight weeks, suggesting that if employers are concerned tax hikes enacted this year will affect consumer demand, this is not leading to more layoffs.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New claims for unemployment be