US Jobless Claims Rise To 4-Week High

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits increased by 22 thousand to 259 thousand in the week ended January 21st, 2017, its highest level in one month and above market expectations of 247 thousand. Still, the four-week moving average, which removes week-to-week volatility, fell by 2 thousand to 245.5 thousand last week, the lowest level since November 1973.
DOL | Joana Ferreira | joana.ferreira@tradingeconomics.com
1/26/2017 1:43:31 PM
Claims have now been below 300,000 for 99 consecutive weeks, the longest stretch since 1970.

The 4-week moving average was 245,500, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since November 3, 1973 when it was 244,000. The previous week's average was revised up by 750 from 246,750 to 247,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.5 percent for the week ending January 14, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. 

The continuing claims drawn by workers for more than a week (the advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment) during the week ending January 14 was 2,100,000, an increase of 41,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up 13,000 from 2,046,000 to 2,059,000. The 4-week moving average was 2,092,000, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 3,250 from 2,090,000 to 2,093,250. 

US Jobless Claims Rise To 4-Week High



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