Requests for benefits came in at 340,000 last week, averaging 345,000. Since mid-March last year, this has been the lowest level before the corona crisis hit the United States. If the labor market recovery weakens, the federal government is more likely to maintain economic stimulus programs. On Wednesday, there were disappointing figures from the Payslip processor ADP about job growth in the American business community.

Shortly after the opening, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.4 percent to 35,438. The broader S&P 500 was up 0.4 percent at 4,541 points and the technical benchmark Nasdaq was up 0.4 percent at 15,367 points.

Charging point

Among companies, the online pet food and accessories retailer Chevy was down nearly 10 percent to a significant decline. Chevy released disappointing quarterly figures and overview. The charge point won just under 9 percent. The company, which operates charging stations for electric cars, reported staggering figures from investors.

Other companies that have opened books include jewelry chain Signet Jewelers (up 8.3 percent), food maker Harmel Foods (up 2.7 percent) and network equipment and software supplier Ciana.

Global

New York-listed Chinese Taxi of DT Global fell 1.7 percent. Didi, along with other Chinese Internet companies, has been sued by Chinese authorities for illegal practices. Regulators accuse companies of using unqualified drivers and vehicles.

Airline United Airlines advanced 0.6 percent. CNN news channel reports that United has suspended operations due to flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida on its main Newark interchange in the state of New Jersey.