Initial claims for unemployment benefits dropped 23,000 to a 340,000.
The House is ready to pass legislation that links college student loan rates to the financial markets.
The Fed could begin slowing its efforts to maintain record-low long-term interest rates as early as summer.
JC Penney said its credit line has been increased to $2.25 billion from $1.75 billion.
Jim Cramer explains what to watch ahead of the open.
Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett-Packard, shares insight on the firm's corporate earnings and turnaround plan. She tells CNBC's David Faber that revenue growth is possible in fiscal 2014.
Global markets are in a sea of red amid worries about the Fed tapering its stimulus program, with the "Squawk on the Street" team.