New unemployment claims are compiled weekly to show the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time. An increasing (decreasing) trend suggests a deteriorating (improving) labor market. The four-week moving average of new claims smoothes out weekly volatility. Why Investors Care
| Released on 1/4/07 For wk 12/30 2007 | ||||||||||
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Highlights
Initial jobless claims rose 10,000 in the Dec. 30 week to 329,000, driving up the four-week average by 1,250 to 317,500. Though there were no special factors in the latest week, claims data are usually volatile during the shortened weeks of the holidays. Treasuries edged higher on the results which perhaps add slightly to growing indications for weak results in tomorrow's December employment report.
Initial jobless claims edged up 1,000 in the week ending December 23 to 317,000. Initial claims had rebounded by 10,000 the prior week. The four-week average dropped 10,250 and is near the current weekly level. Year-end weekly data are volatile due to large seasonal swings in hiring.
Jobless Claims Consensus Forecast for 12/30/06: 315,000
Range: N/A
![[Chart]](chart.gif)
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Weekly series fluctuate more dramatically than monthly series even when the series are adjusted for seasonal variation. The 4-week moving average gives a better perspective on the underlying trend. |
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