Jobless Claims Fall More than Expected, ECB Leaves Rates Unchanged

The Labor Department said on Tuesday that jobless claims fell more than expected last week, demonstrating further improvement in the U.S. economy.

Author:: Brittany Umar
Publish date:: Jan 9, 2014 10:13 AM EST

Stocks begin the trading session on a positive note on Thursday. In top headlines, the Labor Department said on Tuesday that jobless claims fell more than expected last week, demonstrating further improvement in the U.S. economy. Shares of Macy's are climbing after announcing plans to axe about 2,500 jobs and close some stores as part of a cost-cutting plan, while shares of Family Dollar are falling after reporting disappointing first-quarter earnings and a weak outlook. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank left its key interest rate unchanged at a record low of 0.25% -- this, despite concerns about the risk of low inflation to Europe's weak recovery.

Brittany joined TheStreet.com TV in November 2006 after completing a degree in Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers College. Previously, Brittany interned at the local ABC affiliate in New York City WABC-TV 7 where she helped research and produce On Your Side, a popular consumer advocacy segment.