Americans applied for fewer unemployment benefits at the end of 2019, the Labor Department announced Thursday. The number dropped by 2,000 to 222,000 in the seven days up until December 28, although the four-week average ticked up by 4,750 to 233,250.
The report beat expectations that had predicted 225,000 new claims, according to Reuters. The result marks the third consecutive weekly decline.
“I think we’re definitely going to see slightly smaller growth month by month than what we saw in 2019 and that’s consistent with economists expectations’ of the macroeconomy weakening slightly,” in the labor market, Beth Akers, Manhattan Institute senior fellow, told Cheddar.
She will be keeping an eye on manufacturing trends and changes in policy regarding trade for indications about how job numbers will grow (or shrink) in 2020.
“If you’re looking to something to be concerned about, you can look at the four-week moving average, which is up from what it’s been over the course of the year,” Akers said. “But, by and large, these are really strong, positive numbers for the labor market.”
Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate, breaks down the current housing market and why he’s expecting affordability will get better as the year goes on.
Georgie Dickins, founder of Women in Leadership Global and author of ‘Leading with Impact,’ shares thoughts on women in business and how to cultivate a supportive community.
Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY and Jordan Shapiro, senior managing director at Bachrach Group, break down February’s jobs report and what it means for workers.
