The U.S. Labor Department's latest findings, released on Thursday, revealed a surprising minor drop in first-time unemployment benefit claims for the week ending December 21st. According to the report, initial jobless claims declined to 219,000—a decrease of 1,000 from the prior week's figure of 220,000, which had remained unchanged. This defied economists' predictions, who had anticipated a rise to 224,000.
Simultaneously, the less volatile four-week moving average inched up by 1,000 to 226,500, from the previous week's steady average of 225,500.
Additionally, the data indicated an increase in continuing claims, which track the number of individuals still receiving unemployment assistance. These claims rose by 46,000, reaching 1.910 million for the week ending December 14th—their highest level since November 2021. The four-week moving average of continuing claims experienced a slight rise to 1,881,000, climbing by 3,250 from the previous week’s revised figure of 1,877,750.
The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com
Simultaneously, the less volatile four-week moving average inched up by 1,000 to 226,500, from the previous week's steady average of 225,500.
Additionally, the data indicated an increase in continuing claims, which track the number of individuals still receiving unemployment assistance. These claims rose by 46,000, reaching 1.910 million for the week ending December 14th—their highest level since November 2021. The four-week moving average of continuing claims experienced a slight rise to 1,881,000, climbing by 3,250 from the previous week’s revised figure of 1,877,750.
The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com