Fresh data in the US shows said fewer people filed for unemployment benefits last week. That's the good news. However, a four-week average of claims showed a rising trend. Separately, reports of sluggish sales at major retailers fueled concerns about consumer spending.

US jobless claims are down 53,000 to 357,000 for week ended April 5. The market expected it at 19,000. The four-week average of new claims is up 2,500 to 378,250.