U.S. jobless claims dip; 2014 layoffs lowest in 17 years

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week and job cuts declined sharply in December, suggesting the labor market is tightening.

Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Unexpectedly Falls on Outlook

Consumer confidence in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in March to a four-month low, indicating household spending may be slow to pick up from a weather-related setback earlier this year.

Jobs data improves, but weak exports may hurt growth

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, in a boost to the labor market outlook and the broader economy.

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.

Labor market firming, but inflation still benign

(Reuters) - Fewer than expected Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits last week and manufacturing activity hit an eight-month high in early November, hinting at some strength in the economy.

Industrial Output in U.S. Was Unchanged in July, Fed Says

Industrial production in the U.S. was unchanged in July as a slowdown at factories overshadowed an increase in mining. The reading for output at factories, mines and utilities followed a 0.2 percent gain the prior month that was smaller than previously reported, a report from the Federal Reserve showed today in Washington.

Jobless claims rise, but labor recovery grinds on

(Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, although the level still pointed to further healing in the labor market.

IMF outlines spending cuts plan for Portugal -daily

LISBON: The IMF has identified 4 billion euros of possible spending cuts in Portugal, focused on large-scale layoffs of public sector workers and reductions in pensions, business daily Jornal de Negocios said on Wednesday.

Spain may miss 2012 budget deficit goal: Bank of Spain

MADRID: The Bank of Spain warned on Wednesday that the recession-hit country could miss its budget deficit target for 2012 given the 'very unfavourable' economic context, one year after it overshot its 2011 target.

Getting to No: The Entirely Predictable Tax Stalemate

As the year careens to a close, a new chapter in dysfunction has opened in Washington. We noted that in the long-running game of "Deal or No Deal" between Democrats and Republicans over fiscal issues, the answer always seems to be "No Deal."

Budget wrangling trips up payroll-tax vote

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — A dispute between Senate leaders about funding the government past Friday delayed a quick vote on a House-passed bill to extend a payroll tax cut, raising the possibility of a government shutdown and leaving the tax cut’s fate in limbo.