NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rising after some positive earnings and a surprise drop in first-time claims for unemployment benefits.
Dow Chemical, Eastman Kodak, Motorola and Exxon Mobil shares are all rising after reporting earnings.
The Labor Department says unemployment benefit claims fell by 21,000, a sign employers might be on the brink of ramping up hiring. Economists had expected a slight rise in claims.
The Dow Jones industrial average is up 37, or 0.3 percent, at 11,164. The S&P 500 is up 5, or 0.4 percent, at 1,188, while the Nasdaq composite index is up 10, or 0.4 percent, at 2,513.
