Jobless claims, factory data put some shine on economy

(Reuters) - New claims for jobless benefits hovered near their pre-recession levels last week and manufacturing in the Mid-Atlantic region accelerated in April, suggesting an upswing in economic activity after a brutally cold winter.

Yellen signals new emphasis on Fed policing role

(Reuters) - Move over inflation and job growth. The next Federal Reserve chief appears set to direct the central bank's might at ensuring financial stability and stern banking oversight with the same vigor it currently applies to its traditional mandates of fostering price stability and maximum employment.

New jobs disproportionately low-pay or part-time

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The 162,000 jobs the economy added in July were a disappointment. The quality of the jobs was even worse. A disproportionate number of the added jobs were part-time or low-paying — or both.

Japan passes $142 billion stimulus budget

TOKYO:Japan's parliament on Tuesday passed a $142 billion extra budget that forms a key part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to tackle the deflation that has dogged the economy for years.

US consumer spending rose 0.5 per cent in August

WASHINGTON: Americans boosted their spending in August even though their income barely grew. Much of the spending increase went to pay higher gas prices, which may have forced consumers to cut back elsewhere.

Why The Drop In U.S. Unemployment Is Only 'Half-Right'

November’s nonfarm payrolls report is out Friday, and the big news of a dip in the unemployment rate to 8.6% is splashing across the headlines.