U.S. productivity slumps in first quarter
Unit labor costs soar by most in a year
Jobless claims inch up to 208,000. Layoffs still extremely low.
The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits last week barely rose to 208,000, indicating that layoffs remain at extremely low levels associated with a sound economy.
U.S. trade deficit hovers near highest level in almost a year
The trade deficit was flat in March at a nearly one-year high, capping off a first quarter in which a bigger shortfall acting as a drag on the official measure of U.S. economic growth.
S&P 500 Futures Rise as Earnings Roll In
U.S. stock futures rose after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated the bar to cut interest rates had gone up.
The Treasurys Market Is Getting Squeezed From All Sides
Inflation and deficits are lifting yields and jarring the stock market.
BOJ Data Suggest Second Yen Intervention This Week
Japan likely carried out a second round of significant yen-buying intervention this week, according to a calculation based on data from the Bank of Japan and private money brokers.
Hong Kong's Economy Slowed in First Quarter, But Beat Expectations
Hong Kong's economy lost steam at the start of the year, as consumer and government spending weakened, but export strength helped growth beat consensus views that had tipped a much sharper slowdown.
Buffett Rules Out 'Eye-Popping' Returns. But Investors Aren't Listening.
Berkshire is poised to hit a $1 trillion valuation as investors gather this weekend for its annual shareholder meeting
Fate of Gaza Cease-Fire Talks Hangs on Two Hard-Liners: Netanyahu and Sinwar
The calculations of both men, whose strategies leave little room for compromise, pose a challenge for the Biden administration effort to free hostages.
Disaster Loans Provided a Lifeline. Now Small Businesses Owe Billions in Fees.
The government has referred 860,000 delinquent Covid loans for collection-tacking on billions of dollars in fees for small-business borrowers.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
05-02-24 0915ET
