Last updated March 18, 2010: 1:00 PM ET --- The major U.S. equity indices are trading mixed Thursday following reports on inflation, jobless claims and leading indicators. The Labor Department said initial claims for jobless benefits fell by 5,000 to 457,000 last week. Economists had expected a drop of 7,000. U.S. consumer prices were flat in February compared with the previous month as higher car prices were offset by lower energy costs. The index of U.S. leading indicators rose 0.1% in February, which is the smallest gain in almost a year, pointing to a slower economic expansion in the second half of 2010. In corporate news, FedEx (NYSE:FDX) said its Q3 profit more than doubled and raised its full-year earnings forecast. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is trading 0.25% higher at 10,760.65, the S&P500 (INX) is trading 0.21% lower at 1,163.73, and the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is trading 0,02% lower at 2,388.81.
Keywords: Morning Call Economic News Stock Research
Ticker(s): FDX
