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 5/31/07 For wk 5/26 2007 | ||||||||||||
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Highlights
Jobless claims were little changed in the May 26 week, down 4,000 to an as-expected level of 310,000. There were no special factors in the week. The current level is very near the four-week average of 304,500. Continuing claims continued to show improvement, down 52,000 to 2.472 million in data tracking the May 19 week. Today's report won't move the markets but it may firm expectations for steady strength in tomorrow's employment report for the month of May.
Initial jobless claims rebounded in the week ending May 19, rising by 15,000 to 311,000. But with five consecutive declines in prior weeks, the level is still low. The four-week average reflected the earlier weekly decreases, slipping 3,500 to 302,750 the lowest level in more than a year.
Jobless Claims Consensus Forecast for 5/26/07: 310,000
Range: 305,000 to 320,000
![[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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