Interest rates remain higher after lower demand at $16 billion auction of 30-year bonds

Interest rates higher after 30-yr note auction

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Interest rates are inching up in the bond market after a new report on jobs showed the economy is improving at a slow but steady pace.

An auction of new 30-year bonds on Thursday drew weaker results.

Slightly better news from the Labor Department on weekly first-time claims for jobless benefits did little to reassure investors of a fast-paced economic recovery. Stocks traded in a tight range, with the Dow gaining 5 points in afternoon trading.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note that matures rose to 3.60 percent from 3.58 percent late Wednesday.