1.   Also Thursday, the Labor Department issues figures on weekly jobless claims.

2.   Also Thursday, the Labor Department issues its weekly reading on first-time jobless claims.

3.   Also Thursday, the Labor Department reports on weekly jobless claims, while the National Association of Purchasing Management releases its index of manufacturing activity.

4.   Also Thursday the Labor Department reports initial jobless claims.

5.   Also today, the government reported initial jobless claims for last week fell and industrial production declined in May.

6.   Also today, the government reported initial jobless claims for last week fell and industrial production dropped in the month of May.

7.   An unexpected decline in U.S. jobless claims also hampered U.S. bonds, Bloom at James Capel said.

8.   Analysts had expected jobless claims to drop.

9.   An increase reported earlier Thursday in weekly jobless claims data added to a growing belief that the economic slowdown was under way.

10.   Analysts say recent strong reports on durable goods, initial jobless claims and new home sales make it unlikely the Fed will lower interest rates.