Beyond the Lede: Playing the Economic Data By David Sterman About this article: We got a mixed bag last week with regard to economic data. On the positive side, monthly unemployment claims appeared to show signs of moderating; we lost fewer than 600,000 jobs for the first time since last autumn. On the other hand, inventories are not falling fast enough to bring down the pile of unsold goods. But as sales stabilize during these summer months, continued inventory destocking should take us to lean levels -- and the beginning of an inventory rebuilding cycle. Seizing on the employment data, UBS has boosted its view of staffing stocks, raising target prices for On Assignment , Robert Half and Manpower . These firms derive much of their sales from placing temps with employers, and temps are the first component of labor to be added when companies are keen to boost the workforce but loath to commit to a permanent rise... Or, call us at 1-866-321-TSCM (8726) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET. Outside the U.S. and in Canada, call 1-212-321-5200.

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