IN BRIEF

NEW YORK

Fuel prices force fliers to raise fares again

The three biggest U.S. carriers said Thursday they have again raised ticket prices, this time by $20 round-trip, to recoup rapidly rising fuel costs.

The increases by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines affect the carriers' fuel surcharges, which now total $130 round-trip on many flights. That means passengers on some cheap flights could be paying more in fees and taxes than for the airfare itself.

Delta Air Lines initiated the increase, which applies to most domestic routes. It is the Atlanta-based carrier's second boost in just over a week. The previous increase was quickly matched by competitors.

WASHINGTON

Fewer workers seeking unemployment benefits

The number of newly laid off workers seeking unemployment benefits dropped much more than expected last week.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits fell to 365,000, a decline of 18,000 from the previous week. Economists had been looking for a much smaller decrease of around 5,000.

The report on jobless claims showed that the total number of laid off workers receiving benefits dipped slightly to 3.02 million for the week ending April 26 but remained above the 3 million-mark for the second straight week.

For the week ended April 26, 32 states and territories had a drop in initial claims; 21 had increases.

NEW YORK

Discounters thriving as economy struggles

Caught in the maelstrom of higher gasoline and food prices, Americans -- even more affluent ones -- are seeking shelter in wholesale clubs and discount apparel chains.

Low-price operators Costco Wholesale Corp., Wal-Mart Stores and TJX Cos. reported better-than-expected sales on Thursday, while traditional apparel chains J.C. Penney Co. and Limited Brands struggled.

To lure customers, apparel chains are discounting more. First-quarter profits are slated to be down by 14.9 percent, according to Ken Perkins, president of RetailMetrics, a research company in Swampscott, Mass. That compares to a projection in January of 5.3 percent profit growth.

Retailers' first quarter ended in April and companies will start reporting their financial results next week.

ATLANTIC CITY

Trump says it could sell casinos for right price

One or more of the three Trump casinos could be sold if the right deal presents itself, the company said Thursday.

Mark Juliano, chief executive officer of Trump Entertainment Resorts, said the gambling company is "looking at strategic alternatives" and would sell if a good deal materializes.

At least two potential deals to buy part or all of the company fell through last year.

Juliano said after the call that there are no current sale discussions going on with anyone.

Trump casinos include the Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza and Trump Marina.

American Pacific posts earnings rise in quarter

American Pacific Corp., a Las Vegas-based specialty chemical maker, on Thursday said second-quarter earnings surged from a year earlier.

In a statement, the company said net income was to $1.6 million, or 22 cents per share, for the second quarter ended March 31, up from $100,000, or 2 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose 10.8 percent to $48.3 million from $43.6 million.

The fine chemicals segment increased revenue by 36 percent, but specialty chemicals revenue fell 21 percent.

American Pacific shares rose 3 cents, or 0.17 percent, Thursday to close at $17.38 on the Nasdaq National Market.

Toyota says earnings declined during quarter

Times are tough in the U.S. auto market. Just ask Toyota.

The Japanese auto maker, in a race with General Motors Corp. to be the world's largest car company, reported lower-than-expected earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter Thursday as a strong yen and weak U.S. sales took their toll.

Worse, the company said it expected profit to fall 27 percent this year and forecast a 5 percent drop in annual sales, which would be its first in nine years.

Toyota reported a net profit of 316.8 billion yen ($3.05 billion) for its fiscal fourth quarter ended in March, down 28 percent from a year ago.

Sales rose 3.8 percent to 6.567 trillion yen ($63.14 billion).

NEW YORK

Consumer-spending concerns lift Treasurys

Treasurys extended their rally into a second day Thursday, as concerns about a slowdown in consumer spending drove investors to the security of government issues.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury fell to 3.79 percent in its first day of trading, BGCantor Market Data reported.

The 30-year long bond rose 0.94 to 97.19 and yielded 4.55 percent, down from 4.61 percent late Wednesday.