Dollar down slightly against euro, yen in early New York trade. U.S. weekly jobless claims rise 54,000 in Nov. 24 week to 488,000. But U.S. Oct durable goods orders up 12.8 pct, much more than forecasts for 2.1 pct rise. Ex-defense orders up 5.6 pct.
- Euro/dollar hovers near session highs just above 89 cents, dlr/yen trades at 122.95 yen.
- SNB Chairman Roth says Swiss franc's rise at a time of economic slowdown is making life difficult for Swiss exporters. Swiss franc gains against euro to 1.4636, flat against dlr at 1.6459 francs.