Thursday’s session closed out mixed. The Dow and S&P 500 posted gains. The Nasdaq ended fractionally lower. Chevron, Home Depot, Pfizer, and Travelers led the Dow’s ascent. Brands made mixed moves amid a variety of economic data. Jobless claims edged lower last week. The Labor Department said initial claims fell by 1,000 to 367,000. Additionally, the prior week’s claims were revised up from 365,000 to 368,000. On another note, the Commerce Department said the U.S. trade deficit widened to $51.8 billion in March from $45.4 billion in February. In earnings news, retailer Kohl’s reported first-quarter net income of $154 million, or 63 cents a share, down from $201 million, or 69 cents, a year ago.
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