BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Under the radar: Declining continuing claims are a 'green shoot,' not a Sequoia]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/under-the-radar-declining-continuing-claims-are-a-green-shoot/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/under-the-radar-declining-continuing-claims-are-a-green-shoot/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/under-the-radar-declining-continuing-claims-are-a-green-shoot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Under the radar: Some trends are obvious enough and visible to all investors. Others are more-subtle, but are just as potent, and these often slip 'under the radar.'

Case in point: U.S. continuing claims for unemployment. They fell by 148,000 to 6.69 million, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. If the downtrend in 'CCs' is sustained, that would represent another 'green shoot,' -- or sign that the U.S. recession is bottoming.

Continue reading Under the radar: Declining continuing claims are a 'green shoot,' not a Sequoia

Under the radar: Declining continuing claims are a 'green shoot,' not a Sequoia originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsrecessionunemploymentThu, 18 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The song remains the same, regarding U.S. jobless claims]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/12/the-song-remains-the-same-regarding-u-s-jobless-claims/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/12/the-song-remains-the-same-regarding-u-s-jobless-claims/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/12/the-song-remains-the-same-regarding-u-s-jobless-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Well, at least the U.S. Senate passed the fiscal stimulus package this week, because there was no statistically-significant improvement in U.S. jobless claims, according to the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims remained above the troubling 600,000 level.

Initial jobless claims fell 8,000 to 623,000 for the week ending February 7. Claims for the previous week were revised to 631,000.

Initial jobless claims remain more than 90% higher than they were a year ago, as companies continue to cut employees amid falling demand.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 610,000. The 4-week moving average also rose 24,000 to 607,500.

Continue reading The song remains the same, regarding U.S. jobless claims

The song remains the same, regarding U.S. jobless claims originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsfeaturedinthenewsjobless claimsU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 12 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell-tale stat: States' unemployment compensation funds running low]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/tell-tale-stat-states-unemployment-compensation-funds-running/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/tell-tale-stat-states-unemployment-compensation-funds-running/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/tell-tale-stat-states-unemployment-compensation-funds-running/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a sign of the times: an increasing number of states are running out of money to pay unemployment compensation benefits.

Seven states have already depleted their employment insurance trust funds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSC). Another 11 states are in danger of running out of money by the end of 2009.

What's more, states have borrowed $2.3 billion in emergency money from the U.S. government - - money that must be paid back - - to pay for unemployment compensation.

Continue reading Tell-tale stat: States' unemployment compensation funds running low

Tell-tale stat: States' unemployment compensation funds running low originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsfull employmentinthenewsjobsNational Conference of State LegislaturesU.S. Labor Departmentunemploymentunemployment compensationunemployment ratesWed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. initial jobless claims surge to 626,000 ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/u-s-initial-jobless-claims-surge-to-626-000/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/u-s-initial-jobless-claims-surge-to-626-000/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/05/u-s-initial-jobless-claims-surge-to-626-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yet another difficult data point for the U.S. economy: initial jobless claims surged 35,000 to 626,000 for the week ending January 31, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday, as companies continued to cut employees amid falling demand.

Initial jobless claims are now more than 90% higher than they were a year ago.

Meanwhile, continuing claims rose 20,000 to a another record: 4.88 million. It was the highest continuing claims level since record keeping for the statistic began in 1967, the U.S. Labor Department said.

Continue reading U.S. initial jobless claims surge to 626,000

U.S. initial jobless claims surge to 626,000 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimseconomyfeaturedfederal reserveFederalReservejobless claimsobamathe fedTheFedU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 05 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. continuing unemployment claims rise to record 4.78 million]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/u-s-continuing-unemployment-claims-rise-to-record-4-78-million/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/u-s-continuing-unemployment-claims-rise-to-record-4-78-million/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/u-s-continuing-unemployment-claims-rise-to-record-4-78-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The key stat is this week's U.S. unemployment data. Continuing claims, which rose 159,000 to a record 4.78 million Americans.

It was the highest continuing claims level since record keeping for the statistic began in 1967, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

Economists note that the high continuing claims level reflects labor market stress, and the long time it takes for those downsized to find comparable employment. Few companies are filling vacancies, many major corporations have announced large lay-offs, and even temporary work assignments are declining, another negative sign for the labor market.

Continue reading U.S. continuing unemployment claims rise to record 4.78 million

U.S. continuing unemployment claims rise to record 4.78 million originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor Departmentunemploymentunemployment rateThu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims approach 600k, now up 82% from year ago]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-approach-600k-now-up-82-from-year-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-approach-600k-now-up-82-from-year-a/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/22/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-approach-600k-now-up-82-from-year-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

No doubt Labor Department statisticians and media relations pros would love to release more pleasant news regarding jobless claims. But alas, they can't, if the job survey indicates otherwise.

U.S. weekly jobless claims approached 600k, rising 62,000 to 589,000 for the week ending January 17, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Equally distressing: weekly claims are now an astounding 82% higher than the same period a year ago.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 524,000. Claims for the previous week were revised to 519,250.

Also, continuing claims rose 97,000 to 4.607 million from last week's revised total of 4.51 million. Economists note that the high continuing claims level reflects labor market stress, and the long time it takes for those downsized to find comparable employment. Few companies are filling vacancies, and even temporary work assignments are declining, another negative sign for the labor market.

Continue reading U.S. weekly jobless claims approach 600k, now up 82% from year ago

U.S. weekly jobless claims approach 600k, now up 82% from year ago originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 22 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Horrible' jobless claims level remains at 26-year high]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/horrible-jobless-claims-level-remainat-26-year-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/horrible-jobless-claims-level-remainat-26-year-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/horrible-jobless-claims-level-remainat-26-year-high/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's an upside / downside to this week's jobless claims data.

While U.S. weekly jobless claims actually fell 24,000 to 467,000, the total still is more than 40% higher than a year ago.

Meanwhile, continuing claims rose another 101,000 to 4.61 million -- the highest continuing claims total since December 1982. Economists note that the high continuing claims level reflects labor market stress, and the long time it takes for those downsized to find comparable employment. Few companies are filling vacancies, and even alternate and temporary work assignments are declining -- another negative sign for the labor market.

Economist Peter Dawson called the continuing claims level "horrible, indicative of extremely weak job creation conditions. The continuing claims level is approaching Reagan era recession totals, which was a bad recession."

Continue reading 'Horrible' jobless claims level remains at 26-year high

'Horrible' jobless claims level remains at 26-year high originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsfeaturedjobless claimsU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 08 Jan 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Initial jobless claims fall, but continuing claims hit 26-year high]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/31/initial-jobless-claims-fall-but-continuing-claims-hit-26-year-h/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/31/initial-jobless-claims-fall-but-continuing-claims-hit-26-year-h/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/31/initial-jobless-claims-fall-but-continuing-claims-hit-26-year-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jobless claims closed out 2008 basically the way they came in: abysmally.

U.S. weekly jobless claims fell 94,000 to 492,000 for the week ending December 27, the U.S. Labor Department announced Wednesday, but the weekly total nevertheless remained 45% higher than a year ago.

Even worse, continuing claims rocketed 140,000 higher to 4.51 million -- the highest continuing claims total since December 1982. Economists note that the high continuing claims level reflects labor market stress, and the long time it takes for those downsized to find comparable employment. Few companies are filling vacancies, and even temporary work assignments are declining, another negative sign for the labor market.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 550,000.

Continue reading Initial jobless claims fall, but continuing claims hit 26-year high

Initial jobless claims fall, but continuing claims hit 26-year high originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsLabor DepartmentunemploymentWed, 31 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jobless claims dip, but continuing claims hit 25-year high]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/06/jobless-claims-dip-but-continuing-claims-hit-25-year-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/06/jobless-claims-dip-but-continuing-claims-hit-25-year-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/06/jobless-claims-dip-but-continuing-claims-hit-25-year-high/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

U.S. initial jobless claims dipped during the most-recent reported week, but continuing claims hit a 25-year high -- a statistic that underscores the scope of the nation's job slump.

U.S. initial jobless claims fell 4,000 to 481,000 for the week ended November 1, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims for the previous week were revised to 485,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 480,000.

However, continuing claims hit a 25-year high, rising 122,000 to 3.84 million for the week ended October 25. In addition, the 4-week moving average remained the same at 477,000. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions than initial claims, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said rising continuing claims, which have increased about 46% in the past year, underscore job market conditions in the current recession.

"Layoffs proceed, but they're not enormous, so far. But there is no net job growth. In layman's terms, there are very few jobs available, it's hard to find employment once you've been downsized, and the continuing claims total is a direct indicator of that," Dawson said.

Continue reading Jobless claims dip, but continuing claims hit 25-year high

Jobless claims dip, but continuing claims hit 25-year high originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsfeaturedinthenewsjobless claimsjobsU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 06 Nov 2008 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Initial jobless claims rise; U.S. economic fundamentals remain weak]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/initial-jobless-claims-rise-u-s-economic-fundamentals-remain-w/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/initial-jobless-claims-rise-u-s-economic-fundamentals-remain-w/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/23/initial-jobless-claims-rise-u-s-economic-fundamentals-remain-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,

U.S. initial jobless claims remained at elevated levels, even after factoring-out the remaining effect of Hurricane Ike in Texas, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

U.S. initial jobless claims rose 15,000 to 478,000 for the week ended October 18. However, without hurricane-related claims for Hurricane Ike, filings would have totaled about 466,000. Claims for the previous week were revised to 463,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 470,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average decreased 4,500 to 480,250. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said "job losses continue to occur at a large and concerning rate, even after taking into consideration the act-of-nature event of Hurricane Ike."

"We have an economy whose fundamentals are definitely not sound. The housing sector remains in a severe slump, financial service layoffs and consolidation obviously will continue, and business investment is low," Dawson said. "Exports are about the only positive data point remaining for the economy, but that is likely to come under pressure, given the tightening of borrowing conditions, globally. The United States has to find or create a growth catalyst, to get this economy moving again."

Continue reading Initial jobless claims rise; U.S. economic fundamentals remain weak

Initial jobless claims rise; U.S. economic fundamentals remain weak originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentThu, 23 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. jobless claims -- a 'troubling rate' of job losses]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/02/u-s-jobless-claims-a-troubling-rate-of-job-losses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/02/u-s-jobless-claims-a-troubling-rate-of-job-losses/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/02/u-s-jobless-claims-a-troubling-rate-of-job-losses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

U.S. initial jobless claims remain at elevated levels, even after factoring out the effect of Hurricanes Gustav in Louisiana and Hurricane Ike in Texas, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

U.S. initial jobless claims rose 1,000 to 497,000 for the week ended September 27 -- the highest level in seven years -- the Labor Department said. Without the hurricane-related claims, initial filings would have totaled about 439,000, the department said. Claims for the previous week were revised 3,000 higher to 496,000. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 475,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average increased 11,500 to 474,000. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said "job losses continue to occur at a troubling rate, even after taking into consideration the act-of-nature events of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike."

"We have an economy whose fundamentals are definitely not sound. The housing sector remains in a severe slump, financial service layoffs and consolidation obviously will continue, and business investment is low," Dawson said. "Exports are about the only positive data point remaining for the economy, but that too may come under pressure if global growth slows."

Continue reading U.S. jobless claims -- a 'troubling rate' of job losses

U.S. jobless claims -- a 'troubling rate' of job losses originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsfeaturedgdpGustavHurricane GustavHurricane IkeIkejobless claimsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 02 Oct 2008 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims fall to 346k, well below estimate]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-346k-well-below-estimate/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-346k-well-below-estimate/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/10/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-to-346k-well-below-estimate/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial U.S. jobless claims decreased 58,000 to 346,000 for the week ended July 5, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims for the previous week were unrevised at 404,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 399,000.

Also, the four-week moving average decreased 10,000 to 390,500. Economists view the four-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said investors / traders should not react too favorably to this week's jobless claims picture. "It is a surprisingly good number, but keep in mind it's just one week," Dawson said. "Also, continuing claims are still rising and have been trending higher for more than six months. That stat is more indicative of the soft job conditions the U.S. is currently experiencing."

Continue reading U.S. weekly jobless claims fall to 346k, well below estimate

U.S. weekly jobless claims fall to 346k, well below estimate originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjob creationjobsU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 10 Jul 2008 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims pass 400k, signaling further economic slowing]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-pass-400k-signaling-further-economic/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-pass-400k-signaling-further-economic/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-pass-400k-signaling-further-economic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial U.S. jobless claims increased 16,000 to 404,000 for the week ended June 28, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

Claims for the previous week were revised 2,000 higher to 388,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 385,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average increased 11,250 to 390,500. Economists view the four-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said Thursday the jobless claims picture indicates economic conditions are worsening in the United States. "We're now above 400,000 in new claims. This is a sign the economy is stalling. Earlier, we did not see jobless claims as high as in previous slowdowns, but the job slide is accelerating, so in my view GDP will definitely be negative in Q2," Dawson said. "We've got to find a way to jump-start both jobs and demand or this economy will suffer a deeper recession."

Continue reading U.S. weekly jobless claims pass 400k, signaling further economic slowing

U.S. weekly jobless claims pass 400k, signaling further economic slowing originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 03 Jul 2008 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims dip, but 4-week average rises]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-dip-but-4-week-average-rises/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-dip-but-4-week-average-rises/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-dip-but-4-week-average-rises/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Initial U.S. jobless claims decreased 5,000 to 381,000 for the week ended June 14, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. However, the total was still above the consensus estimate. Claims for the previous week were revised 26,000 higher to 386,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 375,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average increased 3,250 to 375,250. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said the jobless claims picture reflects the tepid U.S. economy. "We're not seeing jobless claims as high as in previous economic slowdowns, but jobless claims are still trending higher, as evidenced by the 4-week average," Dawson said. "We have the slowest of economies that's not creating new jobs but not resulting in mass lay offs, either, so far."

Continue reading U.S. weekly jobless claims dip, but 4-week average rises

U.S. weekly jobless claims dip, but 4-week average rises originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 19 Jun 2008 09:22:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims rise to 372k, worse than expected]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-rise-to-372k-worse-than-expected/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-rise-to-372k-worse-than-expected/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/29/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-rise-to-372k-worse-than-expected/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial U.S. jobless claims increased 7,000 to 372,000 for the week ended May 24 - - slightly above the consensus estimate, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims for the previous week were revised 6,000 lower to 368,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 370,000.

Also, the four-week moving average decreased 2,500 to 370,500. Economists view the four-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 17 were in: Pennsylvania, +1,695, Missouri, +1,192, South Carolina, +1,045, Indiana, +919, and Kentucky, +811. The largest decreases were in: Michigan, -3,898, North Carolina, -2,610, Georgia, -1,537, New York, -1,421, and Louisiana, -1,333.

Meanwhile, the number of continuing claims increased 36,000 to 3.104 million from a revised 3.068 million for the week ended May 17, the latest period for which figures were available. Further, the 3.104 million total was the highest continuing claims level since February 2004.

Economic Analysis: A poor weekly jobless report - - one that indicates the job market continues to deteriorate. Weekly claims were above the consensus estimate, and although the four-week moving average dipped, it is still at an elevated level, and above the U.S. Federal Reserve's 'danger level' of 350,000. Further, the continuing claims total remains over three million - - an indication of the difficultly U.S. adults are having trying to secure new employment. That statistic, combined with an elevated four-week average, indicates that labor market conditions are softening - - a decided negative for the U.S. economy.

U.S. weekly jobless claims rise to 372k, worse than expected originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 May 2008 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 29 May 2008 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Jobless claims rise as job market continues to soften]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/15/jobless-claims-rise-as-job-market-continues-to-soften/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/15/jobless-claims-rise-as-job-market-continues-to-soften/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/15/jobless-claims-rise-as-job-market-continues-to-soften/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial U.S. jobless claims increased 6,000 to 371,000 for the week ended May 10 -- slightly above the consensus estimate, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims for the previous week remained at 367,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 370,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average decreased 1,000 to 367,000. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

Economist Peter Dawson said this week's job report "shows that labor conditions continued to soften. We're seeing little to no evidence that small or large companies have picked-up their hiring pace."

Continue reading Jobless claims rise as job market continues to soften

Jobless claims rise as job market continues to soften originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 15 May 2008 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsjobless claimsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 15 May 2008 09:09:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. weekly jobless claims fall, but remain at elevated level]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/27/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-but-remain-at-elevated-level/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/27/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-but-remain-at-elevated-level/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/27/u-s-weekly-jobless-claims-fall-but-remain-at-elevated-level/#commentsFiled under: ,

Initial jobless claims fell to 366,000 for the week ended March 22 -- below the consensus estimate, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. Claims for the previous week were revised up 22,000 to 375,000.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected this week's initial jobless claims to total 370,000.

Also, the 4-week moving average increased 1,750 to 358,000. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending March 15 were Michigan, +6,700, Ohio, +5,486, Missouri, +3,235, North Carolina, +2,586, and Texas, +2,175. The largest decreases were in California, -5,016, New York, -2,138, -Wisconsin, -2,005, Georgia, -1,862, and Florida, 1,651.

The number of continuing claims decreased by 5,000 to 2.845 million from a revised 2.850 million for the week ended March 15, the latest period for which figures were available.

Economic Analysis: Again, another poor weekly statistic. The 4-week moving average remains above the U.S. Federal Reserve's danger level of 350,000. The U.S. Federal Reserve considers a 4-week average above 350,000 a signal of soft labor market conditions. Further, the continuing claims total, which measures the seasonally adjusted uninsured, remains high at 2.85 million, also indicative of a tepid job market. Jobless conditions remain a concern -- a fact that will have to change in order for U.S. GDP and earnings to grow adequately in the quarters ahead.

U.S. weekly jobless claims fall, but remain at elevated level originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsinthenewsrecessionU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 27 Mar 2008 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. four-week jobless claims highest since Oct. 2005]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/06/u-s-four-week-jobless-claims-highest-since-oct-2005/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/06/u-s-four-week-jobless-claims-highest-since-oct-2005/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/06/u-s-four-week-jobless-claims-highest-since-oct-2005/#commentsFiled under: ,

Initial jobless claims fell by 15,000 to 338,000 for the week ended Dec. 1, but the more-telling four-week moving average reached its highest level -- up 4,750 to 340,000 -- since October 2005, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

The 338,000 weekly statistic was slightly higher than the 335,000 consensus estimate.

Economists view the four-week average as a better indicator of unemployment conditions, as it smooths-out anomalies for strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

The number of continuing claims decreased by 59,000 to 2.6 million for the week ended Nov. 24, the latest period for which figures were available.

Economic Analysis: The four-week moving average -- the average economists and analysts concentrate on -- continues to move higher and remains a 'data point of concern' for the U.S. economy. Joblessness is not high, but job growth is not high either. Further, although not above the more-problematic 350,000-level, the rising four-week moving average suggests that the job market continues to soften, something the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep an eye on, given the historically strong correlation between employment growth and sustainable economic growth.

U.S. four-week jobless claims highest since Oct. 2005 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimseconomic growthGDPinthenewsjob growthjobless claimslaborU.S. economyU.S. Federal ReserveU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 06 Dec 2007 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Initial jobless claims rise to 352K, highest since Feb. 2007]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/29/initial-jobless-claims-rise-to-352k-highest-since-feb-2007/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/29/initial-jobless-claims-rise-to-352k-highest-since-feb-2007/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/29/initial-jobless-claims-rise-to-352k-highest-since-feb-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial jobless claims rose by 23,000 to 352,000 for the week ending Nov. 24 -- the highest level since February 2007, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday. The statistic was substantially higher than the 332,000 consensus estimate.

Meanwhile, the more telling 4-week moving average rose slightly -- by 5,750 claims to 335,250, its highest level since March 2007. Economists view the 4-week average as a better indicator of unemployment, as it smooths out strikes, holidays, or other idiosyncratic events.

The number of continuing claims rose by 112,000 to 2.67 million for the week ended Nov. 17, the latest period for which figures were available. Economists and analysts had expected a continuing claim stat of roughly 2.55 to 2.61 million.

Economic Analysis: The 4-week moving average -- the average economists and analysts focus on -- continues to move higher, which is not a good sign for the U.S. economy. Although not above the more problematic 350,000 level, the rising 4-week moving average suggests that the job market continues to soften, something the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep an eye on, given the historically strong correlation between employment growth and economic growth.

Initial jobless claims rise to 352K, highest since Feb. 2007 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimseconomic growtheconomyFederal ReserveGDPinthenewsjobless claimsjobsU.S. economyU.S. Federal ReserveU.S. Labor DepartmentunemploymentThu, 29 Nov 2007 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Jobless claims dip to 330K, in line with consensus]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/jobless-claims-dip-to-330k-in-line-with-consensus/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/jobless-claims-dip-to-330k-in-line-with-consensus/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/11/21/jobless-claims-dip-to-330k-in-line-with-consensus/#commentsFiled under: ,

First-time claims for unemployment benefits fell 11,000 last week to 330,000 -- in line with the consensus estimate, the U.S. Labor Department announced Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the more-telling four-week moving average fell 750 to 329,750, the Labor Department reported. One year ago, new claims for unemployment insurance totaled 322,000.

An average of 2.57 million Americans are receiving state jobless benefits, also called continuing claims; a year ago about 2.43 million Americans were receiving benefits.

The U.S. jobless rate is at 4.7%, and many economists expect it to climb slightly on soft Q4 GDP growth. The U.S. economy recorded Q3 GDP growth of 3.9%, with many economists projecting a Q4 GDP growth rate in the 1.5-2.2% range.

Continue reading Jobless claims dip to 330K, in line with consensus

Jobless claims dip to 330K, in line with consensus originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuing claimsGDPinthenewsjob creationjob growthjobsmonetary policyrecessionU.S. economyU.S. Federal ReserveU.S. Labor Departmentunemploymentunemployment rateWed, 21 Nov 2007 10:58:00 EST