Jobless claims flat at 212,000 and still show no sign of rising layoffs

The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits last week was unchanged at 212,000, reflecting a surprisingly resilient labor market in which layoffs and unemployment are very low. 


 
Philly Fed factory gauge jumps to highest level in two years in April

The Philadelphia Fed said Thursday its gauge of regional business activity jumped to 15.5 in April, from 3.2 in the prior month. 


 
Stock Futures Rise After TSMC Earnings

Stock futures rose modestly as strong results from the chip maker rippled across the market. 


 
Companies Belly Up to Cash Buffet, in Five Charts

With high rates beckoning, the dash to money-market funds and other high-yielding accounts is expected to continue-even if the Fed cuts rates, advisers say. 


 
China Reports Steady Youth Unemployment

China's youth unemployment rate remained steady in March, another tentative sign that the world's second-largest economy could be stabilizing. 


 
EU Car Sales Record Biggest Drop in 16 Months

Registrations of new cars in the European Union fell 5.2% on year in March, the largest monthly drop since November 2022, and in line with a trend of softening demand. 


 
Pension Funds Are Pulling Hundreds of Billions From Stocks

Stock portfolios at large pension funds had a blockbuster run. Now, managers are cashing out and shifting money into bonds. 


 
China Pledges to Steady Yuan as Asian Currencies Come Under Pressure

China's central bank reiterated its commitment to a stable yuan, joining the chorus of Asian officials concerned about weakening regional currencies. 


 
More Aid Is Getting Into Gaza, but Risk of Famine Endures

Affordable vegetables and freshly baked bread are available in northern Gaza for the first time in months. Relief workers say this isn't enough. 


 
Australia's Labor Market Remains Strong

The Australian unemployment rate edged up in March, but a jump in the number of people in full-time work will continue to feed risk that the country's central bank may sit this year out before cutting interest rates.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-18-24 0915ET