WASHINGTON - NEW claims for unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week while the number of people continuing to seek aid rose sharply, the government said on Thursday.
NEW YORK - DEPARTMENT-store operator Macy's said on Thursday it will close 11 underperforming stores in nine states - affecting 960 employees - and lowered its forecast for the fourth quarter after one of the weakest holiday seasons in years.
NEW YORK - US STOCKS headed for a lower open on Thursday after Wal-Mart Stores Inc posted disappointing December sales and cut its fourth-quarter profit outlook, compounding investors' concerns about the worsening recession.
