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 8/2/07 For wk 7/28 2007 | ||||||||||||
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Highlights
Jobless claims continue to indicate tight conditions in the labor market, results which will help firm expectations for steady payroll growth in tomorrow's employment report for July. Initial claims for the July 28 week rose 4,000 to 307,000, pushing down the four-week average by 3,500 to 305,500. There were no special factors in the week. Continuing claims also fell, down 16,000 to 2.525 million (July 21 week) with the four-week average at 2.545 million. Treasuries eased in reaction to the data.
Initial jobless claims dipped 2,000 in the July 21 week to 301,000. There were no special factors in the latest week. The four-week average of 308,500 is the lowest since early June. Claims clearly indicate that the labor market remains tight and that job growth continues at a reasonably healthy pace.
Jobless Claims Consensus Forecast for 7/28/07: 310,000
Range: 308,000 to 315,000
![[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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