U.S. stocks slip after rise in jobless claims

Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:00:53 -0500

U.S. STOCKS SLIP AFTER RISE IN JOBLESS CLAIMS
Stocks decline despite better-than-expected reports on manufacturing
and leading economic indicators, as investors focus on an unexpected
rise in weekly jobless claims.

HOUSE APPROVES INCREASE IN U.S. DEBT CEILING
The U.S. will be able to borrow for a few more months under
legislation passed by House lawmakers.

HEALTH DEBATE BACK ON TRACK AFTER DELAY
Buoyed by a pep-talk from President Barack Obama, Senate Democrats are
striving towards the finish line on health-care reform even as a new
poll shows public fears about higher costs and worsened care.

FED, GREEK WORRIES SEND DOLLAR TO 3-MONTH HIGH
A combination of faith in the recovery of the U.S. economy, Federal
Reserve policy and worries about the ability of Greece to service its
debt sent the dollar to multi-month highs.

NATURAL GAS RALLIES ON BIG DROP IN SUPPLIES
Futures jump after U.S. stockpiles fall more than expected as cold
temperatures across the U.S. boost demand for heating.