• Associated Press

    US applications for unemployment benefits hold steady, but continuing claims rise to 3-year high

    The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Jobless claim applications ticked down by 1,000 to 219,000 for the week of Dec. 21, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Weekly applications for jobless benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs.

  • Reuters

    Oil rises on China stimulus hopes, US inventory drop

    LONDON (Reuters) -Oil rose almost 1% on Thursday in thin holiday trade driven by hopes for additional fiscal stimulus in China, the world's biggest oil importer, and supported by an industry report showing a decline in U.S. crude inventories. Chinese authorities have agreed to issue 3 trillion yuan ($411 billion) worth of special treasury bonds next year, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing two sources, as Beijing ramps up fiscal stimulus to revive a faltering economy. "Additional support is coming from the expectation of further fiscal and monetary stimulus in China."

  • Australian Associated Press

    Americans tune out of the news ahead of Trump's return

    After an intense US presidential election campaign, many Americans are looking for a break from political news.