Stocks rose on Thursday, reversing early losses, as gains in consumer shares offset jitters about an economic recovery after data showed more workers filed new jobless claims.

Shares of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc boosted consumer discretionary stocks after it reported a surprise rise in profit as it cut costs to offset slumping demand.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 23.88 points, or 0.29 percent, at 8,323.74. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 3.54 points, or 0.39 percent, at 904.48. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 11.09 points, or 0.62 percent, at 1,803.43. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)