unemployment numbers

Initial Jobless Claims Drop To 5-Year Low

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits dipped sharply to a five-year low last week, a hopeful sign for the labor market. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 37,000 to a seasonally adjusted 335,000 -- the largest weekly drop since February 2010.

Initial Jobless Claims Jump, Hurricane Sandy Blamed

The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits surged by 78,000 to a seasonally adjusted 439,000 last week, a 1.5-year high and a sign that superstorm Sandy dented the U.S. economy by leaving tens of thousands of people out of work.

U.S. Unemployment, Europe's Bailout Let the Market Breathe

The stock market came to life this week, as investors bet that the economy wouldn't be as bad as had been priced in. The ISM Index, a gauge of manufacturing activity, rose more than expected, construction spending grew, and Europe started to get its act together on a massive bailout fund. But as usual, it all starts with unemployment.

Europe's Debt, U.S. Unemployment Draw Focus

September is finally over, and we're heading into a few fast weeks of economic data and earnings releases. With stock market and macroeconomic factors taking new twists nearly every day, it's hard to keep up. So let's focus on the data and news that will matter most to your bottom line.

Dow Logs Worst One-Day Drop Since 2008

A bruising session on Wall Street Thursday wiped more than 500 points off the Dow - its worst drop since October 2008. Driving the fear is growing concern about the possibility of another recession. Will the selloff continue Friday? It all depends on the Labor Department's employment report.