Category: Markets

US Applications for Jobless Benefits Highest Since October 2021

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week rose to its highest level since October 2021, but the labor market remains one of the healthiest parts of the U.S. economy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that U.S. applications for jobless claims were 261,000 for the week ending June 3, an increase of 28,000…


S&P 500, Nasdaq Open Higher as Jobless Claims Rise

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq opened slightly higher on Thursday as Treasury yields slipped after data showed weekly jobless claims rose more than expected, countering some concerns about further interest rate hikes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 8.04 points, or 0.02 percent, at the open to 33,656.98. The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.17…


American Consumer Credit Growth Last Month Rose to Its Fastest Pace Since November

U.S. consumer credit growth accelerated in April to the fastest pace since November 2022, according to recent data from the Federal Reserve. The June 7 data on consumer credit, or G.19, comes after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in May by 25 basis points, to a range of 5.0–5.25 percent. Many economists are worried that…


Dollar Slips From Near 3-month Highs as Traders Gauge Rate Outlook

LONDON/SINGAPORE—The dollar fell slightly on Thursday from near three-month highs, a day after a surprise rate hike from the Bank of Canada suggested the Federal Reserve may also have more work to do to combat inflation. The euro was last up 0.3 percent at $1.073 against the dollar—the most traded currency pair in global markets….


Oil Rises as Saudi Cut Supports and Focus Turns to Fed

LONDON—Oil rose on Thursday as tighter supply resulting from Saudi Arabia’s pledged production cut and a potential pause to U.S. interest rate hikes offset worries over demand weakness and a global economic slowdown. At an OPEC+ meeting on Sunday, Saudi Arabia said it will cut its crude output by 1 million barrels per day (bpd)…


Shares Stall as Bond Markets Reprice Rate Expectations

LONDON—Borrowing costs in government bond markets rose and share markets stalled on Thursday after a surprise interest rate hike in Canada gave investors their second reminder of the week that the surge in global interest rates isn’t done yet. Asian markets had struggled overnight and the cautious mood continued in Europe as London’s FTSE, Germany’s…


Commercial Real Estate Exposure, Financial Pressures Could Result in Bank Consolidation, Yellen Says

More consolidation in the U.S. banking system would not be surprising considering the current environment in the financial sector, says Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. While Yellen acknowledged that she does not wish to see further consolidation by some smaller banks threaten the diversity of the banking sector, she would understand due to the enormous pressures…


Stock Market Today: Wall Street Drifts as Drops for Tech Overshadow Gains Elsewhere

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed finish Wednesday, as drops for Microsoft and other big-name tech stocks overshadowed gains across much of the rest of Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 16.33, or 0.4 percent, to 4,267.52 even though the majority of stocks within the index rose. The Dow Jones Industrial Average…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (June 7)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for July delivery rose 79 cents to $72.53 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude for August delivery rose 66 cents to $76.95 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for July delivery rose 8 cents $2.64 a gallon. July heating oil rose 3 cents to $2.40 a gallon. July natural gas rose 7 cents to…


How Major US Stock Indexes Fared June 7

U.S. stocks drifted to a mixed close as drops for Microsoft and other big-name tech stocks overshadowed gains for much of the rest of Wall Street. The S&P 500 fell 0.4 percent Wednesday even though the majority of stocks within the index rose. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 91 points, or 0.3 percent, while…