The number of people seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since July, though applications remained at historically low levels.
THE NUMBERS: Weekly applications for unemployment aid rose 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 293,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased to 285,000, the highest since April. The number of Americans receiving aid has fallen nearly 9 percent in the past year to 2.2 million.
THE TAKEAWAY: The applications figure remains below 300,000, where it has stood since last March. That is a low level that points to few layoffs. Yet it has increased nearly 10 percent in the past month. The rise could reflect volatility in the data after the winter holidays, when many temporary retail employees are laid off. The government adjusts the figures to reflect those seasonal trends, but isn’t always able to do so perfectly.
KEY DRIVERS: Global financial markets have plunged since the year began over fears that world economic growth is slowing by more than most analysts expected. A sharp plunge in oil prices has also unnerved investors, who see it as a potential sign of slower growth.
Applications for unemployment aid are a proxy for layoffs and can indicate whether businesses are sufficiently nervous about the economy to cut jobs. Some companies have announced job cuts in recent weeks, including Johnson & Johnson, Regions Bank and Aeropostale.
Last week’s rise in applications “is not a big move, but it is enough to be concerning,” said Jim O’Sullivan, an economist at High Frequency Economics. “The data are starting to suggest some slowing. Claims will be very important to watch in coming weeks.”
BIG PICTURE: Even with all the gloom in financial markets, consumers are still willing to splash out on restaurant meals, autos and travel, providing crucial support to the economy. That is helping to offset the impact of a strong dollar and slower overseas growth, which has hurt manufacturers.
So far, most economists expect the U.S. economy to continue growing this year, though at a slow pace, despite the headwinds from overseas.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Does this mean we are closing in on 100 million out of work isn’t there like 200 million adults ,50% unemployed real number
Well Lou they’ve been cooking the books for a long time. The real unemployment number is somewhere north of 15%. 97 million able bodied Americans out of the work force doesn’t equate to 5% unemployment. Well I guess when you use common core math you can make the numbers work.
And the funny thing is,its not only this Administration,its all of them,kind of like the way they Figure COLA for SSI–what kind of equation is that, everyone gets a cost of living increase except the people that need it the worst,and for everyone”s information the BOOKS were not only cooked–they have been FRIED,they have done everything and anything to give us a false sense of security?They tell us exactly what they want us to hear,no more no less?
Amazing isn’t it. Oscrewu can give billions to those that will use that money for terrorism against us – the U.S. and we the ones on S.S. who could really make good use of that increase (lights, water, gas, bread and milk and if you are lucky maybe insurance) — I’m 67 and have been out of employment since 2010 sent out possibly 1,000 plus applications for employment and had only one interview — I do have an Associates Degree and graduated with honors but I will never be considered because I’m now in my 60’s and have physical appearance problems due to scoliosis and don’t speak Spanish. WOW isn’t our government looking out for us and not to mention the deserving VETS.