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Discounter Wal-Mart Stores Inc says it will add more than 22000 jobs in its US namesake stores in 2009.

The economy’s decline in the quarter was not quite as bad as the government originally believed, kindling hope that the economy could resume growing by the end of 2009.

New orders for long-lasting U.S. manufactured goods saw their biggest gain in 16 months in April and fewer workers filed for new jobless benefits last week, according to data on Thursday that suggested the deep recession was abating.

U.S. consumer confidence soared in May to its highest level in eight months as severe strains in the labor market showed some signs of easing, though Americans' moods remained depressed by historical standards.

Home Depot's earnings jumped 44% on fewer charges as the home-improvement retailer posted results that beat analysts' views despite lower sales.

Stock rose at open following data showing the U.S. trade deficit rose less than many economists expected. Ford fell 6.4%.

The economy lost 539,000 jobs in April, the government reported on Friday, a sign that the relentless pace of job losses was starting to level off.

Weak consumer spending continued in April, but some retailers posted sales gains, or slighter declines than in the past.

New US claims for state unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, the fourth decline in five weeks, providing further evidence that the pace of layoffs has slowed after months of steep job cuts.

The pace of private-sector U.S. job losses slowed dramatically last month, while future planned layoffs also declined, and the hard-hit housing sector showed signs of improvement last week.