⁍ The dollar rose on Thursday, bouncing back from recent weakness after U.S. data showed fewer Americans sought jobless benefits last week.

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⁍ Analysts worried that programs such as unemployment benefits are covering up underlying damage to the economy.

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⁍ The euro was down 0.1% at $1.1844 against the dollar after reaching a two-year high of $1.1916.

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– The dollar rose on Thursday, bouncing back from recent weakness after US data showed fewer Americans sought jobless benefits last week, Reuters reports. The dollar index briefly pared gains before gaining ground following the data, which also showed 31.3 million people were receiving unemployment checks in mid-July, suggesting the US labor market was stalling. The dollar index, which measures the dollar against a basket of currencies, was last up 0.3% at 93.057. The index lost 4% in July. The euro was down 0.1% at $1.1844 against the dollar after reaching a two-year high of $1.1916. Analysts worried that programs such as unemployment benefits are covering up underlying damage to the economy. Investors were waiting for US lawmakers to agree on a new package of support for the United States. With no sign of an agreement in sight, Republicans and Democrats remained trillions of dollars apart. In emerging markets, Turkey’s lira earlier hit a record low against the euro. Analysts warned of inflation and predicted state attempts to aid the currency would struggle. The Aussie dollar was last up 0.4% at $0.7221 against the US dollar.