NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The U.S. dollar remained slightly lower on Wednesday after reports on joblessness and consumer spending pointed to further weakness in the economy. The euro rose 0.5% to $1.3995. The dollar index was little changed at 81.05. Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose 30,000 to a seasonally adjusted 586,000 in the week ended Dec. 20, the highest since 1982. A separate report said consumer spending declined 0.6% in November, though economists surveyed by MarketWatch expected a 0.7% slip. Another report said durable goods orders fell 1% last month, less than the 3% drop forecast. A measure of consumer inflation excluding energy and food prices was flat in November, as predicted. Currency trading may be light as U.S. equity and bond markets are closed on Thursday for Christmas.
