| Initial jobless claims for the February 12 week rose a steep 25,000 to 410,000.
However, claims have been volatile in recent weeks. The latest jump followed a 34,000 drop the prior week and a 38,000 fall the week before that. Off and on severe winter weather has played a role in the volatility. The four-week average rose 1,750 in the latest week to 417,750 to show no significant change from mid-January. |
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| 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 |
| Data Source: Haver Analytics | |
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