18Mar/10
Stocks mixed after jobless, inflation data
NEW YORK - Stocks are trading in a narrow range Thursday after a fresh batch of economic reports showed the economy continues to slowly regain its strength.
New reports showed that inflation remains tame, jobless claims are continuing to inch lower and economic indicators are modestly improving. The latest news follows a pattern that has become familiar in recent weeks, showing slow but consistent improvement in the U.S. economy.
At the same time, concerns about economic troubles overseas flared up again Thursday as Greece said it might turn to the International Monetary Fund for support if European leaders can't agree to a bailout plan next week. That helped keep the market's gains in check.