Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed as China reports lower industrial profits

Asian shares are mixed after China reported lower corporate profits in November, the fourth straight month of decline. Oil prices and U.S. futures declined. On Thursday, Wall Street had a mixed finish as losses for some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years.