U.S. factory, jobs data show underlying strength in economy

By way of Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A gauge of U.S. manufacturing facility activity held near a 2-half-12 months excessive in December and the choice of American citizens submitting new claims for jobless advantages fell for a second week ultimate week, pointing to resilience in the financial system. Different data on Thursday showed building spending hit its perfect level in virtually 5 years in November. The Institute for Provide Management (ISM) said its index of nationwide manufacturing facility job stood at fifty seven.zero final month from November's 2-half-yr excessive of 57.3. In a separate report, the Labor Department stated initial claims for state unemployment advantages slipped 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 339,000.