Oil fell more than 1 percent to trade below $77 a barrel on Thursday ahead of a U.S. holiday, after rising 2 percent the previous day on a weakening dollar and a lower-than-expected build in U.S. crude stocks.

The dollar rebounded from a 14-year low against the yen on Thursday as traders betting against the U.S. currency cashed in on its recent slide, but the prospect of persistent loose U.S. monetary policy ensured overall sentiment remained bearish.

President Barack Obama sought to reassure Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday of his commitment to boosting U.S. ties with India even as his administration has set its rivals, China and Pakistan, as top priorities.

Filings rose 33 percent in the third quarter to the highest number since 2005, government data show, as rising unemployment and tight credit made it more difficult for consumers and businesses to stay current on their debts.

Stocks posted modest gains Wednesday, but it was enough to propel the Dow and S&P to new 13-month closing highs, as economic data buoyed recovery hopes.

Stocks clawed higher Wednesday after a report showed new-home sales rose more than expected.

Rates on 30-year mortgages dropped in the past week to match a record low set in April, while the 15-year home loan rate fell to a new all-time low, home funding company Freddie Mac said on Wednesday

The holiday crush at the nation’s airports has taken hold several days earlier as travelers sought less expensive flights, the NYT reports.

U.S. consumer sentiment improved slightly in late November from earlier this month, but it was weaker than October on deep anxiety over personal finances, a survey showed Wednesday.

Stocks clawed higher Wednesday after a report showed new-home sales rose more than expected.

There will be a short-term pullback after Thanksgiving in stock markets and there is a 50 percent chance that the US economy will double-dip, according to Paul Schatz, president of Heritage Capital.

Fresh economic reports painted a picture of a gradual economic recovery as consumer spending rose and durable orders unexpectedly fell. The employment picture strengthened as jobless claims tumbled more than expected.

Demand for U.S. home loans slipped last week even as mortgage rates hovered near record lows, the Mortgage Bankers Association said on Wednesday.

US stock index futures climbed further Wednesday after a batch of data signaling that the US economy was building on strength but also that the recovery would be gradual.

The Miles family is changing it up this year in the annual American race to make it to the table for Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of booking plane tickets, they opted to take the 1,100-mile trip by train.