Market breaking news 1/12/11

1. Jobless Claims Rise More than Expected Up by 6,000 to 402,000 Vs. Estimated Decline of 3,000.


2. Stocks slipped at the open Thursday following news that weekly jobless claims climbed unexpectedly last week and after a sharp rally in the previous session.

Alcoa slipped, while Disney gained. .

3.  Stocks struggled for direction in thin, volatile trading Thursday as investors took a breather following a sharp rally in the previous session and after a handful of tepid economic news. The Dow fell near the psychologically-important 12,000 mark.

Financials slumped, while techs edged higher.

4. Stocks finished narrowly mixed in a quiet session Thursday as investors took a breather following a sharp rally in the previous session and ahead of the crucial government non-farm payroll figure due Friday morning.

The Dow finished above the psychologically-important 12,000 level.