UNEMPLOYMENT

As the U.S. recovery limps along, some economists and political leaders are warning that states' poor fiscal conditions could threaten any progress.

The U.S. Senate went on Fourth of July recess Friday without passing an extension to unemployment insurance. The 1.2 million people who saw their unemployment benefits end on July 1 will have to wait until at least July 12, when the Senators return to Washington.

Germany's strong run in the World Cup may be the catalyst for a growth spurt by Europe's largest economy, as consumers riding the feelgood factor of national success dip in to their savings and start spending again.

The Australian Dollar has opened up in the high 0.8300's this morning after struggling on Friday evening's trade to fall short of 0.8500, following the new Prime Minister Julia Gillard announcement of a compromise position on the RSPT (Resource Super Profits Tax) which became the MRRT (Mineral Resource Rent Tax).

U.S. private payrolls rose only modestly in June and overall employment fell for the first time this year as thousands of temporary census jobs ended, indicating the economic recovery is failing to pick up steam.

Private payrolls rose only modestly in June and overall employment fell for the first time this year as thousands of temporary census jobs ended, showing the economic recovery failing to pick up steam.

U.S. jobless numbers likely fell in June for the first time this year, a Reuters poll showed. The key monthly unemployment report will be released on Friday.

Employment fell for the first time this year in June as thousands of temporary census jobs ended and private hiring grew less than expected, dealing a blow to President Barack Obama who has identified job creation as a key priority.

Wall Street looked set to open higher and European shares kept their gains on Friday despite a key U.S. jobs report that came in slightly worse than expected.

Private payrolls rose less than expected in June and overall employment fell for the first time this year as thousands of temporary census jobs ended, showing the economic recovery is failing to gain traction.

The dollar jumped against the yen but immediately surrendered those gains on Friday after a report showed a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. June nonfarm payrolls to 125,000, while the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 9.5 percent.

Asian stocks recovered on Friday after three days of declines but investors remained nervous ahead of a closely-followed U S. job report amid concerns over the U.S. and global outlook.

U.S. jobless numbers likely fell in June for the first time this year, a Reuters poll showed. The key monthly unemployment report will be released on Friday.

New claims for U.S. jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week, while growth in the manufacturing sector slowed in June, heightening fears the country's economic recovery was stalling.

New claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week, while manufacturing activity slowed in June, heightening fears the country's economic recovery was stalling.

Senate Republicans have again blocked movement on the bill to extend unemployment insurance.

New claims for state jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week, while manufacturing activity and employment slowed in June, heightening fears the U.S. economic recovery is stalling.

The dollar extended declines against the yen on Thursday after data showed initial U.S. weekly jobless claims came in higher than expected.

The dollar extended declines against the yen on Thursday after data showed initial U.S. weekly jobless claims came in higher than expected. The dollar dropped to 87.49 yen JPY= after the data from around 87.61 prior to the release of the data. The euro fell to $1.2357 EUR= from $1.2369 prior to the data's release. The euro had already risen 1 percent against the dollar before the data's release.

The number of workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance rose unexpectedly last week, a report showed on Thursday, heightening fears the labor market recovery was stalling.

Jitters that financial strains may derail the U.S. economic recovery mean the Federal Reserve will be in no rush to end its ultra-low interest rates, comments by officials of the U.S. central bank suggested on Wednesday.