Jobless claims fall to lowest since 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans lining up for new jobless benefits dropped to the lowest level in nearly four years last week, according to a government report that showed ongoing healing in the labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 357,000, the lowest level since April 2008, the Labor Department said on Thursday. But the claims data could bolster the case that the healing labor market is lowering the need for the Federal Reserve to do more to boost growth. ...

Dow, S&P flat, Nasdaq rises after two-day drop

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks traded flat to slightly higher Thursday after two straight days of declines as jobless claims data showing improvement in the U.S. labor market helped offset revived concerns about the euro zone's fiscal stability. Government data showed the number of Americans submitting claims for new jobless benefits fell to the lowest in nearly four years last week, indicating the labor market is slowly improving. The data comes ahead of Friday's key employment report, when the stock market is closed for the Good Friday holiday. ...

U.S. jobless claims fall to lowest since 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans lining up for new jobless benefits dropped to the lowest level in nearly four years last week, according to a government report that showed ongoing healing in the labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 357,000, the lowest level since April 2008, the Labor Department said on Thursday. New claims have fallen sharply in recent months, boosting expectations the end of a long cycle of heavy layoffs will lead to more hiring. ...