Morning report: US sharemarkets were mixed on Thursday

While the jump in claims for unemployment benefits is negative for the economy, the hope is that it will accelerate progress on agreeing a fiscal stimulus package. Higher oil prices drove the energy sector higher. Shares in Airbnb Inc. debuted and ended the first day trade at US$144.71 a share, up from the $68 a share offer price. At the close of trade, the Dow Jones index was down by 70 points or 0.2%. The S&P 500 index ended lower by 0.1%. But the Nasdaq index was up by 67 points or 0.5%.