JOBS

Republicans emboldened by a weak U.S. jobs report pressed their attack against the ruling Democrats on Friday, hoping to translate Americans' unhappiness with the economy into votes on November 2.

Republicans emboldened by a weak U.S. jobs report pressed their attack against the ruling Democrats on Friday, hoping to translate Americans' unhappiness with the economy into votes on November 2.

Stocks fell on Friday after government data showed a larger-than-expected drop in July payrolls, giving investors a stark reminder the economic recovery remains slow.

Stocks tumbled on Friday after government data showed a larger-than-expected drop in July payrolls, increasing expectations of a slow economic recovery.

Employment fell for a second straight month in July as more temporary census jobs ended while private hiring rose less than expected, pointing to an anemic economic recovery.

Stocks were set for a lower open on Friday after data showed the economy shed far more jobs than expected last month, exacerbating worries the path to economic recovery would be rocky.

Stock index futures edged higher on Friday as investors awaited a key report on the labor market to provide direction.

Stock index futures were little changed on Friday as investors awaited a key report on the labor market to provide direction.

The dollar was on the defensive and Japanese stocks fell after weak U.S. jobless claims figures heightened worries that Friday's payroll data could paint a bleak picture of the U.S. economic recovery.

The dollar was on the defensive near a 3- month low against a basket of currencies after weak U.S. jobless claims figures heightened worries that Friday's payroll data could paint a bleak picture of the U.S. economic recovery. A weak reading could fuel talk that the Federal Reserve may consider additional easing steps as early as next week, which could put pressure on the dollar particularly against the yen, given the pair's recent strong correlation with U.S. Treasury yields.

Stocks fell on Thursday as persistent concerns about unemployment and consumer spending were underscored by an unexpected rise in initial jobless claims and July retail sales that were mostly weaker than expected.

The dollar was little changed against the euro on Thursday, as investors squared positions ahead of a U.S. payrolls report that markets hope will offer fresh insight on the state of the U.S. economy. Strong German industrial data and signs that Spain and Greece were making progress in trimming budget deficits earlier lifted the euro, as did data showing U.S. initial jobless claims unexpectedly rose in the latest week.

Stocks slipped on Thursday after an unexpected rise in first-time claims for jobless benefits underscored concerns that the recovery in the labor market will be slow.

Stocks were set for a weak open on Thursday after data showed first-time claims for jobless benefits rose unexpectedly, underscoring ahead of Friday's key jobs report the hurdles facing a recovery in the labor market.

The dollar rose on Thursday, recovering as investors unwound bets against the currency thanks to some better signs on the economy ahead of key U.S. non-farm payrolls figures on Friday. An ADP report on Thursday showed the U.S. added 42,000 jobs in July. Coupled with encouraging service sector data, that relieved some of the recent pessimism about the world's biggest economy, but traders said more good news was needed to overturn negative dollar sentiment.

World stocks eked out small gains with European shares staying flat on Thursday as investors eyed meetings of the European Central Bank and Bank of England later in the session and Friday's U.S. jobs data loomed large.

Stocks rose on Wednesday, lifted by slightly better-than-expected jobs and services data, as well as an upbeat outlook from Priceline.com.

Private employers added 42,000 jobs in July, compared to a revised gain of 19,000 in June

Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday it would expand by 635 jobs a commitment to bring work to its U.S. unionized plants by 2012 that has been performed by parts suppliers.

Wall Street was set for a higher open on Wednesday, boosted by better-than-expected data on the labor market and a handful of positive earnings reports.

Private employers added 42,000 jobs in July, compared to a revised gain of 19,000 in June, a report by a payrolls processor showed on Wednesday.