Jobless-claims data improves again

[ProSense]

Jobless-claims data improves again

By Steve Benen

Last week’s report on initial unemployment claims was far less encouraging, but the general trend in an encouraging direction continued this week.

The number of Americans who filed requests for jobless benefits fell by 15,000 last week to 372,000, the U.S. Labor Department said Thursday. Claims from two weeks ago were revised up to 387,000 from 381,000. Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had projected claims would drop to a seasonally adjusted 373,000 in the week ended Dec. 31.

The average of new claims over the past four weeks, meanwhile, declined by 3,250 to 373,250, the lowest level since June 2008.

That last part is of particular interest. Week-to-week numbers are obviously more volatile, but the average over the last month or so is the best we’ve seen in over three years.

In terms of metrics, keep in mind, when these jobless claims fall below the 400,000 threshold, it’s evidence of an improving jobs landscape. When the number drops below 370,000, it suggests jobs are actually being created rather quickly. We’ve now been below 400,000 in eight of the last nine weeks, and below 370,000 in two of the last four.

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http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2012_01/joblessclaims_data_improves_ag_1034534.php

[livetohike]

1. Nothing but long faces on the CNBC crowd this morning

and they are downplaying the results, especially the 375,000 jobs reported by the ADP report as an aberration. Idiots will have that blueberry pie all over their faces when they finally admit the economy is improving.

[ProSense]

2. They're

"Nothing but long faces on the CNBC crowd this morning"

...likely trying to figure out how to give the obstructionist Republicans credit.

I mean, how could there be job growth if the job-killing EPA still exists?

[FreakinDJ]

3. Would love nothing more then the economy to improve

but don't you think the Euro Crisis will drag any recovery we have emerging right back down.

I work in the very real world of the type of projects that require huge amounts of financing. Have seen the very real effects of money being pulled out from underneath a project more then once in the last couple of years

[livetohike]

6. I'm optimistic that the Europeans will fix their problems soon

If good news in our economy continues, good trend lines etc. I think that will give people confidence to invest. It's hard to know what is going on just listening to the pundits. Especially on CNBC.

I see signs of recovery in my limited world of retirement....my brother's business (climate control for large buildings) has picked up, a brickyard I pass weekly has trailers waiting in line to pick up bricks, help wanted signs in local businesses (granted those are not high paying jobs, but it's a sign that people are spending money there), and other good signs going on.

[Kahuna]

4. Ha ha ha!

[ProSense]

5. Kick! n/t