The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased moderately last week, consistent with gradually easing labor market conditions. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 11,

The producer price index for final demand rose 0.4% last month after an upwardly revised 0.5% gain in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday.

U.S. producer prices increased solidly in January, offering more evidence inflation was picking up again and strengthening financial market views that the Federal Reserve would not be cutting interest rates before the second half of the year.