Markets Down for Sixth Day; Unemployment Claims Hit Four-Year Low
Published at
Hemera/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The markets were down for the sixth day in a row on Thursday. The Dow dropped 31 points, the Nasdaq lost 22 and the S&P gave up three points.
Unemployment claims hit a four-year low last week. Some automakers decided to skip their usual summer shutdowns to keep up with demand, which resulted in less temporary layoffs of autoworkers.
U.S. government bonds are red hot. On Thursday, the Treasury sold $13 billion worth of 30-year bonds at a record low yield of 2.58 percent — this, a day after a record-setting auction of 10-year notes.
For Americans who are able to get a mortgage, right now is a good time to buy a home. The average rate on 30-year loans fell to a new record-low of 3.56 percent, according to Freddie Mac.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio