U.S. jobless claims fall; continuing claims lowest since 2000

Nov 20 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell less than expected last week, but continued to point to strengthening labor market conditions.

Obama set to announce 'practical' agenda focusing on immigration, income equality

President Obama is expected in his annual address Tuesday to detail what he calls “practical” proposals to advance the country in 2014, including ones to address "income inequality" and the nation’s immigration system.

US economy shows signs of shrugging off higher interest rates

WASHINGTON: US home resales surged in August to a 6-1/2-year high and factories grew busier early this month in the Mid-Atlantic region, signs that rising borrowing costs might be weighing only modestly on the economy.

US jobless claims fall though storm distorts data

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, a sign the labor market's slow recovery was gaining traction although a severe storm distorted the data.

Spain to unveil new austerity steps soon: Sources

MADRID: Spain's government is putting finishing touches to an up to 30 billion euro ($38 billion) package of spending cuts and tax hikes to help it meet this year's deficit targets, sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Spain to seek bank aid as borrowing costs soar

LUXEMBOURG/MADRID (Reuters) - Independent auditors said Spanish banks may need up to 62 billion euros in extra capital, to be filled mostly by a euro zone bailout, after Spain's medium-term borrowing costs spiraled to a euro-era record on Thursday.

Manufacturing grows at fastest pace in 6 months

WASHINGTON (AP) — Manufacturing grew in December at the fastest pace in six months and hiring at U.S. factories picked up. The data helped bolster the view that the economy gained momentum at the end of last year.

Economy ends tough 2011 on a surprising upswing

WASHINGTON—The economy is ending 2011 on a roll.The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks are higher.

If Payroll Tax Cut And Unemployment Benefits Are Not Extended, Labor Market Could Take Big Hit

As Congress jockeys over emergency stimulus measures that are set to expire soon, economists warned Monday that congressional inaction could spell further woes for the already sputtering economy, making an stagnant labor market even worse.