By Nick Godt
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The dollar remained slightly higher against major currencies on Thursday, after the government reported first-time filings for state unemployment benefits rose sharply in the latest week after three straight weekly declines. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. unit against a basket of six major currencies, stood at 77.114, up from 77.024 in earlier trade and from 77.085 in North America late Wednesday. For the week ended Sept. 26, initial claims rose 17,000 to 551,000. This is the highest level since prior to the Labor Day holiday.
