Jobless Claims Drop to Lowest Level Since January

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly last week, suggesting the labor market is expanding at a solid clip even as economic growth has stalled.

Portugal to cut spending after court ruling

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's government will cut spending to meet targets agreed with its lenders after a court overturned key austerity measures, Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho said on Sunday.

US consumer spending up 0.2 percent in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers increased spending modestly in January but cut back on major purchases that signal confidence in the economy.

US industrial production drops 0.4 percent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Superstorm Sandy depressed U.S. industrial output in October, the latest indication that the storm could temporarily slow the economy.

Data points to slow healing in labor market

(Reuters) - Companies added jobs in October at the fastest pace in eight months, a sign of modest healing in the labor market just days before a presidential election that could hinge on the economy.

Jobless claims remain elevated

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- First-time claims for unemployment benefits remained elevated for the third straight week, the government said Thursday, a sign that a job recovery might be stalling.

Osborne's austerity drive cut 270,000 public sector jobs last year

More than 30,000 NHS workers and 71,000 in education were among more than a quarter of a million public sector staff who lost their jobs in 2011 as the government's austerity measures started to bite.

First-time unemployment claims climb

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- After plunging the week before, first-time claims for unemployment benefits ticked up last week.

Bernanke Money Policy Seen Achieving Goal as Savers Become Consumers Again

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke finally may be catching a break: His easy-money policies are showing signs of speeding up the economic rebound three years after he cut interest rates to zero.