Labor market data suggest economy strengthening

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits last week fell and planned layoffs hit a 13-1/2 year low in December, adding to a range of data that have suggested the economy is gaining steam.

The shutdown's surprise effect on jobs numbers

WASHINGTON: The government shutdown may have affected October's jobs numbers. But not in the expected way.

Is Federal Reserve ready to begin the great taper? Markets say yes

Is the Federal Reserve ready to put the Great Recession behind it? Is the US economy prepared for it?

Fed maintains pace of asset purchase

The US Federal Reserve has maintained the rate of its asset purchase programme at $85bn (£54bn) a month, aimed at boosting the economy.

E.U. States Get Blessing for Financial Trading Tax

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Eleven euro zone countries won approval on Tuesday for a tax on financial transactions aimed at shifting more responsibility for the region's crisis onto banks despite fears it could drive business out of Europe.

Factories post rebound, consumer sentiment shaky

(Reuters) - Manufacturing grew in November at its quickest pace in five months, with a rise in domestic demand hinting that factories could provide a boost to economic growth in the fourth quarter.

French joblessness tops 3 million for first time in 13 yrs

PARIS (Reuters) - The number of unemployed in France topped the 3 million mark in August for the first time in 13 years, official figures showed on Wednesday, adding to President Francois Hollande's woes as he seeks to revive a stalled economy and his tumbling poll ratings.

US unemployment benefit claims surge

New claims for US unemployment benefits surged sharply higher last week, ending three straight weeks of declines in the struggling jobs market, official data showed.