NEW YORK – Global shares were little changed Thursday following the best three-day run in a month, as weak earnings out of Europe offset better-than-expected Chinese economic figures. The euro eased slightly against the dollar, but the single currency hit a five-month high against the yen in what has been a strong run as expectations grow that Spain will be bailed out before long. Spain and Italy, two of the euro zone's more troubled economies, both held successful bond sales Thursday. US stocks were lower after weekly jobless claims rose far more than expected. Still, the benchmark S&P 500 remains within striking distance of its 2012 closing high of 1,465.77. “This is giving investors a reason to take profits after a nice little run, but I think we'll go back to focusing on earnings soon, and we're starting to see buyers come back into the market already,” said Doug DePietro, head of trading at Evercore Partners in New York. Wall Street got support from Verizon Communications after it said revenue was slightly above expectations while another Dow component, Travelers, posted operating earnings that were much stronger than expected. Data showing China likely hit the bottom of a seven quarter-long economic downturn helped major averages in Asia and kept overall selling in check. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 6.09 points, or 0.04 percent, at 13,563.09. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 0.68 points, or 0.05 percent, at 1,460.23. – Reuters
