Reuters - Total sales at U.S. retailers rose a full percentage point in May as many consumers had more spending cash in their wallets from government rebate checks, a report on Thursday showed.

Reuters - The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week while those remaining on benefit rolls hit a four-year high, the government said on Thursday.

AFP - US retail sales surged a stronger-than-expected 1.0 percent in May as Americans splurged out more on gasoline and goods, a government report showed Thursday.

AP - Retail sales jumped by the largest amount in six months in May as 57 million economic stimulus payments helped offset the headwinds buffeting consumers.

Reuters - Stocks rose on Thursday after government data showed a sharp increase in retail sales last month, calming worries about the profit outlook, while news of a $46 billion takeover bid for brewer Anheuser-Busch boosted optimism about share valuations.

Reuters - U.S. cities that have long promoted bicycle use by commuters are now seeing a steady rise in the popularity of pedal power as gasoline prices soar.

AP - A dose of good economic news and a buyout offer for Anheuser-Busch Cos. gave Wall Street a rebound Thursday, sending the Dow Jones industrials jumping more than 120 points. Treasury prices fell, driving yields higher, as investors returned to stocks.

AP - Oil prices fell Thursday as the dollar moved higher and forced crude to lose some of its appeal as a hedge against inflation. Gas prices reached another record at the pump, rising to a national average of $4.06 a gallon, and are likely to keep rising.

Reuters - Cash from government stimulus checks helped push U.S. retail sales up at twice the rate expected in May but the strength could be fleeting as households contend with soaring prices and the worst housing slump in decades.

Reuters - U.S. businesses have faced rising costs in recent weeks but retailers have had only "mixed results" trying to raise selling prices with the economy still weak, the Federal Reserve said in a report on Wednesday.