The four-week moving average of claims, a less-volatile measure, fell by 5,500 applications to 228,250
Jeffrey Schmid replaces Esther George, who retired in January
New rating, AA+, is still considered well into investment grade
Analyst sentiment turns rosier for S&P 500 companies, Refinitiv reports
Weakening inflation suggests the Fed may be able to achieve a difficult ``soft landing'' for the economy
Agency appears to be making a case for sustained funding as it tries to avert budget cuts
Inflation rate falls to an annualized rate of 3% in June with easing prices for gasoline, airline fares, used cars and groceries
Process of getting inflation back down to 2% has "a long way to go,'' Fed chairman says
Signals there could be two more hikes this year
U.S. sovereign rating remains under review amid concerns over political strife