Shares of retailers and other consumer companies rose as hopes for a new economic-stimulus bill offset worries about the labor market.

Filings for jobless benefits fell last week to their lowest level since the coronavirus hit the U.S. in March, a sign layoffs eased somewhat as the labor market slowly recovers from pandemic lockdowns.

Still, the rebound was not enough to put a major dent in a historically high rate of unemployment.

German sportswear maker Adidas said it expects revenue to recover in the third quarter as stores reopen and digital sales thrive.

An investment group that includes members of gift-store owner Paper Store's founding Anderson family has made an offer to buy the bankrupt retailer out of bankruptcy, subject to higher bids at auction. 


 Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@dowjones.com