Jobless Claims Retreat, Consumer Sentiment Rises 

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped last week to 601,000, marking the fourth consecutive week during which first time jobless claims eased, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Unemployment conditions were most improved in Florida, Illinois, Michigan and California, which saw the largest decreases in initial jobless claims. In contrast, the largest increases in initial claims were seen in Connecticut, Louisiana, Tennessee and Arizona.