BC-US--Money & Markets Digest, US

Money & Markets modules for Friday, Oct. 3

All graphics are sent by 6 p.m. EDT

TODAY

The Labor Department reports today its latest measure of national unemployment. Economists expect that unemployment held steady at 6.1 percent last month. The rate has mostly inched lower since the spring as employers have added jobs at a healthy clip.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Dimmed expectations

Shares of LED lighting maker Cree sank Thursday to their lowest level since January 2013 following a discouraging sneak peak at its most recent quarterly results.

CENTERPIECE

Is growth finally picking up?

The U.S. economy grew at a robust 4.6 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, the government said last week. That's the fastest pace in more than two years and a sign growth could be breaking out of its sluggish post-recession pace.

STORY STOCKS

McCormick (MKC)

Constellation Brands (STZ)

Rite Aid (RAD)

Halcon Resources (HK)

Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA)

Cree (CREE)

Garmin (GRMN)

Esperion Therapeutics (ESPR)

FUND FOCUS

Columbia Dividend Income A (LBSAX)

Columbia Dividend Income is described by Morningstar as delivering a smooth ride and strong long-term results. It invests in companies with a steady cash flow.

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MONEY & MARKETS EXTRA

For the week ending Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014

CENTERPIECE

The dominating dollar

Expectations of possible interest-rate hikes by the Federal Reserve sent the dollar's value jumping last quarter against currencies from around the world. The U.S. Dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against the euro, British pound and other currencies, had its biggest one-quarter gain in six years.

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