UNEMPLOYMENT

U.S. manufacturing, construction and consumer spending data on Monday all bode well for the economic recovery, with factories' activity growing at the fastest pace in nearly six years.

U.S. consumer spending rose in March for a sixth straight month as households pushed savings to a 1-1/2 year low, further evidence consumers were starting to take a bigger role in the manufacturing-led recovery.

The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter as consumers increased spending at the fastest pace in three years, the strongest sign yet a sustainable recovery may be taking hold.

The U.S. economy expanded at a 3.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter as consumers increased spending at the fastest pace in three years, the strongest sign yet a sustainable recovery may be taking hold.

The number of U.S. workers submitting new claims for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week, implying only a gradual labor market improvement even as the economic recovery broadens out.

The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance fell slightly less than expected last week, government data showed on Thursday, implying only a gradual labor market improvement.

The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance fell slightly less than expected last week, government data showed on Thursday, implying only a gradual labor market improvement.

Sometime during the recession, work -- or the lack of it -- became funny.

If the unemployment rate remains high, it is received political wisdom that President Barack Obama's ruling Democrats will be punished by the voters in congressional elections in November.

More U.S. companies plan to increase their work force over the next six months, a survey showed on Monday, which could lead to a stronger recovery.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless aid fell last week as the labor market gradually heals, while producer price data showed inflation is muted despite a surge in food costs last month.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless aid fell last week as the labor market gradually heals and producer price data showed inflation remained muted despite a surge in food costs last month.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless aid fell last week as the labor market gradually heals and producer price data showed inflation remained muted, despite a surge in food costs last month.

The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance fell as expected last week, resuming a downward trend that had been interrupted by the Easter holiday, government data showed on Thursday.

The number of workers filing new applications for jobless aid fell last week as the labor market gradually improves, while producer price data showed inflation remained muted, despite a surge in food prices last month.

The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance fell as expected last week, resuming a downward trend that had been interrupted by the Easter holiday, government data showed on Thursday.

As he filled out forms in a re-employment center in the parking lot of his union hall, 61-year-old repairman Albert Hinojosa spoke about his uncertain future after losing a job he held for almost a quarter of a century.

Unemployment rates continued to fall in March in many U.S. states, the Labor Department said on Friday, sparking cautious optimism that an economic recovery is dawning.

U.S. manufacturers were busy in April as factories ramped up production to rebuild inventories though soft labor markets still point to a relatively slow economic recovery.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless aid soared last week as the backlog from the Easter holiday was processed, adding to worries about the economic recovery, while U.S. industrial output rose less than expected in March.

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly soared last week as applications held back during the Easter holiday were processed, government data showed on Thursday.