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DCBob

(24,689 posts)
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 08:14 PM Jan 2012

Unemployment Claims Fewest Since 2008

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits plummeted last week to 352,000, the fewest since April 2008. The decline added to evidence that the job market is strengthening.

Applications fell 50,000, the biggest drop in the seasonally adjusted figure in more than six years, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average, which smooths out fluctuations, dropped to 379,000. That's the second-lowest such figure in more than three years.

A department spokesman cautioned that volatility at this time of year is common. Applications had jumped two weeks ago, largely because companies laid off thousands of temporary workers hired for the holidays.

Still, when weekly applications fall consistently below 375,000, it usually signals that hiring is strong enough to push down the unemployment rate.

more: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/unemployment-claims-352000-fewest-2008-15392743

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Very good news. It is starting to sound like the recovery is for real... even for jobs.

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Unemployment Claims Fewest Since 2008 (Original Post) DCBob Jan 2012 OP
If we can escape big eurozone defaults this year cthulu2016 Jan 2012 #1
Yes, that is a huge concern and could derail everything.. DCBob Jan 2012 #2

DCBob

(24,689 posts)
2. Yes, that is a huge concern and could derail everything..
Thu Jan 19, 2012, 08:22 PM
Jan 2012

However, I think the US is somewhat insulated against what is going on there as long as it doesnt spiral out of control.

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