U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Signal Slowing Labor-Market Rebound

The number of Americans filing for unemployment barely declined last week, signaling challenges to the economic recovery are multiplying.

Initial jobless claims in regular state programs totaled 1.3 million in the week ended July 11, down 10,000 from the prior period -- the smallest decline since March, Labor Department figures showed Thursday. Another 17.3 million Americans claimed ongoing unemployment benefits in state programs in the week ended July 4, indicating economic pain remains widespread.

U.S. stocks fell on Thursday, while 10-year Treasury yields remained lower after the report.

The figures add to signs that the labor-market recovery is stalling ...