Stocks Fluctuated after Strong Jobless Data

U.S. stocks fluctuated in the early trading on Thursday after the report showed that U.S. weekly jobless claims stayed near a 15-year low. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lately shed 10.10 points, or 0.06%, to 17,831.88. The S&P 500 was down 1.29 points, or 0.06%, to 2,078.86. The Nasdaq Composite gained 9.09 points, or 0.18%, to 4,928.74.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose marginally last week, staying near a 15-year low in a sign that the labor market continues to strengthen despite moderate economic growth. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 3,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000 for the week ended May 2, the Labor Department said on Thursday.

Whole Foods Market Inc. said it plans to start a sister chain of smaller stores aimed at younger shoppers, a move designed to fend off growing competition but that fueled investor concern about the natural-foods grocer’s outlook.

Brent crude oil headed towards 2015 highs above $68 a barrel on Thursday after official data showed the first drawdown in U.S. crude inventories since January. Brent crude was up 27 cents a barrel at $68.04 by 1243 GMT. It hit a 2015 high of $69.63 on Wednesday.