First Time Unemployment Claims Pretty Much In Line -- A Bit Less Than Expected -- February 1, 2018

I didn't see much change in the unemployment claims (see below) but surprise, surprise -- CNBC actually wrote a Trump-friendly headline: US jobless claims unexpectedly fall as job market strengthens. 

From econoday: first time unemployment claims --

• prior: 233K
• prior revised: 231K
• consensus forecast: 235K
• Actual: 230K
• New claims, change: down 1,000

Market today: anticipating Apple, Inc, earnings report after market close today

Making America great again: add Lowe's to the list --

• will give some employees bonuses of up to $1,000
• will expand benefits
• specifically cites tax reform 

Shell reports earnings: several stories, different headlines regarding surging proficts

• WSJ: Shell profit triples but cash flow disappoints 
• The Telegraph: Shell 'transformation' doubles profits as recovery takes hold
• Bloomberg: Shell's best profit in three years marred by surprise cash-flow drop
• will maintain same dividend; around 5% for an annual rate; scrapping scrip, paying cash

Mastercard: lands Cabela's credit-car business; to be issued by Capital One; M/C up 2% in early trading today. Cabela’s was the 15th largest credit-card issuer in the U.S. as of June 2017, about three months before it completed its sale to Bass Pro. Purchase volume on the Cabela’s card totaled roughly $10.7 billion during the first half of last year.

Meanwhile, it's being reported that eBay will soon replace PayPal. 

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