By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON – Economic reports suggest employers are laying off fewer workers, businesses are ordering more computers and appliances, and consumers are spending with more confidence. Combined, the data confirm the economy is improving, and further job gains are expected in 2011.
The economy’s outlook is brightening even though hiring has yet to strengthen enough to reduce an unemployment rate near 10 percent.
The number of people applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a seasonally adjusted 420,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s the second-lowest level since July 2008.