A survey of U.S. chief executives shows a sharp drop in the number of large companies that plan to add jobs or hire more workers.

Unemployment rates rose in more than half of U.S. states last month, the latest evidence that hiring remains tepid across the country.

A trio of reports Thursday offered a reminder that the U.S. economy is struggling to grow and add jobs.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell only slightly last week to a seasonally adjusted 382,000. The level suggests hiring remains weak.

Higher gas prices are crimping consumer spending and slowing the already-weak U.S. economy. And they could get worse in the coming months.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits jumped to the highest level in two months, although the figures were skewed in part by Hurricane Isaac.

U.S. employers posted fewer jobs in July than in June, the latest evidence that hiring is weak.

American employers cut back sharply on hiring last month, crushing hopes that the job market was improving and putting more pressure on the Federal Reserve to give the sluggish economy another jolt.