Dan Schwartzman

According to Labor Department data, applications for unemployment benefits fell by 23,000 to 206,000 in the week ended February 14th, adding to evidence of stabilization in the labor market.

The number was lower than all but one estimate in a Bloomberg survey.

We check markets all day long here at Bloomberg.

Heightened geopolitical worries sending stocks lower, with the Dow down six-tenths of one percent.

S&P 500 is down four-tenths of one percent, as is the Nasdaq.

The 10-year yield is at 4.083, the two-year at 3.467.

Gold is hovering at just below $5,000 an ounce, while Bitcoin is right around $66,800.

Norway is still leading the medal count at the Milan Cortina Olympics with 34 total.

The U.S.

in third to 25 won behind Italy.

Norway also has 16 golds compared to seven for the U.S.

In a marquee matchup, the U.S.

and Canada currently battling for gold in women's hockey.

That's news when you want it with Bloomberg News Now.

I'm Dan Schwartzman and this is Bloomberg.

News when you want it with Bloomberg News Now.

I'm Dan Schwartzman.

The U.S.

is deploying a massive force in the Middle East to put pressure on Iran with two aircraft carriers, including the world's largest, the Gerald R. Ford, hundreds of fighter jets and refueling tankers, giving President Trump the option for a major attack against the Islamic Republic.

Trump says Iran cannot be allowed to go nuclear.