Jobs

Weekly Jobless Claims Heading Significantly Better

The Labor Department is out with data on the weekly jobless claims.  While the week was ahead of a three-day weekend, the report showed that weekly jobless claims fell by a whopping 52,000 down to 352,000 for the best reading in quite some time.  The prior week’s reading of 399,000 was revised slightly higher to 402,000.

Blomberg had a consensus reading of about 383,000 expected and the lowest projected claims figure we saw was at 370,000.  This week’s figure is hard to argue negatively against despite the caveats of labor participation.

The four-week average decreased by 3,500 to 379,000.  As far as the army of unemployed, the continuing jobless claims (with a one-week lag) fell by a whopping 215,000 down to a new reading of 3,432,000.  The continuing claims will have some of the same arguments about labor participation, but that number is good to see coming down and it sets the tone for yet another big improvement next week.

JON C. OGG

Sponsored: Want to Retire Early? Here’s a Great First Step

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.