Stocks broadly lower; spike in jobless claims rattles investors

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:01:13 (GMT)

Stocks broadly lower; spike in jobless claims rattles investors

U.S. stocks fell with a thud Thursday, with sentiment hit by a sharp
rise in the nation's first-time jobless claims and by troubled bond
insurer MBIA Inc.'s report of a $2.3 billion fourth-quarter loss.

Amazon profit doubles, but stock falls after cloudy outlook

Amazon.com sees its earnings more than double in the fourth quarter
thanks to strong holiday sales, but the online retail giant issues a
forecast for operating income that's below Wall Street's expectations.

Starbucks slips on profit slowdown

NEW YORK
Shares of Starbucks fell more than 4% in early trading Thursday morning
after the coffee chain reported slower profits because of weaker
business in the U.S.

Economic Report: U.S. first-time jobless claims rocket higher in latest
week

First-time jobless claims rocketed higher last week, adding to worries
that the U.S. economy may be stalling.

Big Japanese banks' subprime losses seen at $4.7 bln: report

SAN FRANCISCO
Japan's four biggest banks face 500 billion yen ($4.7 billion) in losses
associated with U.S. subprime mortgages in the current fiscal year
through March 31, according to a published report.