Business Today: Stock futures tick high ahead of jobless claims

03/1/2012 Stock futures tick high ahead of jobless claims NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures edged higher on Thursday after Wall Street finished February with healthy gains as investors looked ahead to economic data that could reinforce recent signs of improved growth. Jobless claims hover near 4-year lows WASHINGTON (Reuters) - New U.S. claims for unemployment benefits edged down last week, holding near four-year lows, according to a government report on Thursday that suggested the labor market was gaining momentum. Chrysler Group reports auto sales up 40 percent DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC said its auto sales jumped 40 percent, boosted by sales of its sedans last month, marking the best February for the smallest U.S. automaker since before the financial crisis. EU wrestles with balance between austerity and growth BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders wrestled on Thursday with the balance between budget austerity and reviving lost growth at the first summit for two years in which the euro zone debt crisis did not eclipse all else. Wal-Mart raises dividend by about 9 percent March 1 - Wal-Mart Stores Inc raised its annual dividend by about 9 percent on Thursday, bringing the payout up to $1.59 per share. Greek CDS insurance payments not triggered: ISDA LONDON (Reuters) - Greece has not triggered a payout on credit default swaps by its recent moves to prepare for a debt restructuring, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association said on Thursday. Store chains see February sales gains (Reuters) - Victoria's Secret parent Limited Brands Inc reported a large sales gain for February, leading a charge of retailers that benefited from rising consumer confidence to beat Wall Street forecasts. Europe drags on global economy, few policy options LONDON/BEIJING (Reuters) - Prospects for a strong recovery in the global economy darkened on Thursday as sputtering factory activity in Europe overshadowed more upbeat data from Asia, at a time when central banks are running out of policy options and reluctant to do more. Insight: From binge to hangover, shipping firms bleed AARHUS, Denmark/OSLO (Reuters) - Many of the giant cranes that tower over the port of Aarhus, Denmark's second-biggest city, are standing idle these days. Bank of America considers checking account fee revamp: report (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp is planning to introduce a monthly fee for its customers holding checking accounts unless they agree to bank online, buy more products or maintain certain balances, the Wall Street Journal said. Related Video China boom drives record profits for Audi Breakingviews: A Murdoch still has firm grip on UK papers Economic News Jobless claims hover near 4-year lows Store chains see February sales gains A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend