"Improving economic momentum and diminished angst surrounding the financial crisis has encouraged businesses to take on more risk"
- Richard DeKaser, deputy chief economist at Parthenon Group Inc.
The number of Americans claiming for unemployment benefits rose to 377 thousand in the week ended January 21 from 356 thousand the week before, said the Department of Labor on Thursday.
"The job-market recovery remains on track," said Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James & Associates Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida. "The underlying trend is moderately low layoffs. We certainly have seen a lot volatility in the week to week numbers."
In a separate report, the Census Bureau said month on month durable goods orders rose hefty 3 per cent in December, a sign manufacturing is gaining momentum.
"Improving economic momentum and diminished angst surrounding the financial crisis has encouraged businesses to take on more risk," said Richard DeKaser, deputy chief economist at Parthenon Group Inc. in Boston. "The factory sector will continue to perform well."
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