US consumer sentiment fell to a near-record low, with independent voters showing strong economic anxiety. A CNBC survey found eight in ten Americans rate the economy fair or poor and Trump's approval on the economy at an all-time low, with corruption ranking as voters' top issue.
Why it matters: Weak household confidence can slow consumer spending, the largest part of the US economy.
About 194,000 Americans filed new jobless claims last week, close to the lowest weekly count since the 1960s, the Labor Department said Thursday. A CNBC survey separately found eight in 10 Americans rate the economy as fair or poor.
Why it matters: Low layoffs point to a tight US labor market ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.