US Jobless Claims Down To Near 43-Year Low

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits decreased by 12 thousand to 234 thousand in the week ended February 4th 2017, below market expectations of 250 thousand. It is the smallest figure since the week ended November 12th 2016 when claims came in at 233,000, the lowest in 43 years. Claims have been below 300 thousand, the level associated with a healthy labor market for 101 straight weeks. That’s the longest streak since 1970. Yet, the 4-week moving average considered a better measure as removes week-to-week volatility reached the lowest since 1973.
DOL | Joana Taborda | joana.taborda@tradingeconomics.com 2/9/2017 1:42:34 PM
The 4-week moving average that removes week-to-week volatility decreased by 3,750 to 244,250. This is the lowest level for this average since November 3, 1973 when it was 244,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.5 percent for the week ending January 28, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate.

Continuing claims  rose by 15,000 to 2,078,000 during the week ending January 28. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 to 2,063,000.

The 4-week moving average was 2,075,750, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 to 2,079,500. 

US Jobless Claims Down To Near 43-Year Low