(Bloomberg) -- U.S. filings for unemployment benefits fell more than forecast last week to a two-month low, reflecting volatility that's typical around periods with holidays, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.
Highlights of Jobless Claims (Week Ended July 7) |
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Key Takeaways
Seasonal adjustments to the claims data tend to be more difficult during and around weeks with holidays, especially if this year's timing of Independence Day on a Wednesday spurred Americans to take longer vacations. At the same time, the trend is consistent with other data -- such as the unemployment rate, vacancies and quitters -- signaling a solid labor market where employers are reluctant to part with workers. The weekly claims figures have been gradually declining in the last year and remain near the lowest level since 1969.
Other Details
- Prior week's reading was revised to 232,000 from 231,000
- Unemployment rate among people eligible for benefits unchanged at 1.2 percent
- Hawaii and Maine estimated claims last week, according to the Labor Department
--With assistance from Kristy Scheuble and Sophie Caronello.
To contact the reporter on this story: Katia Dmitrieva in Washington at edmitrieva1@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Scott Lanman at slanman@bloomberg.net, Vince Golle
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