The four-week moving average of claims, a less-volatile measure, fell by 5,500 applications to 228,250
Jeffrey Schmid replaces Esther George, who retired in January
New rating, AA+, is still considered well into investment grade
Weakening inflation suggests the Fed may be able to achieve a difficult ``soft landing'' for the economy
Agency appears to be making a case for sustained funding as it tries to avert budget cuts
New rules increase minimum liquidity requirements and prohibit "gates"
Inflation rate falls to an annualized rate of 3% in June with easing prices for gasoline, airline fares, used cars and groceries
Process of getting inflation back down to 2% has "a long way to go,'' Fed chairman says
Signals there could be two more hikes this year
Unemployment rate rose to 3.7% in May, up from a five-decade low of 3.4% in April