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                        US Jobless Claims Rise Slightly

   by VOA News

   The number of Americans signing up for unemployment assistance rose
   slightly last week, but remains near a 14-year low.

   Thursday's report from the Labor Department says jobless claims rose by
   12,000 to a nationwide total of 290,000.

   Economists watch unemployment compensation claims as a way to track job
   layoffs across the nation.  The number of such claims has now been
   below 300,000 for nine weeks.  Economists say that may be evidence of a
   strengthening job market as employers gain confidence and no longer
   think it necessary to cut their workforce.

   Other reports show the price of Brent crude oil fell to a four-year low
   below $80 a barrel after reports indicating production is likely to
   stay strong while demand eases.

   Next week, new data is expected to show a slight improvement in U.S.
   retail sales, which is a key indicator of economic growth.  Other data
   will measure inflation and the health of the housing market.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-jobless-claims-rise-slightly/2518932.html