Jobless Claims Released On 10/30/2014 8:30:00 AM For wk10/25, 2014 Prior Prior Revised Consensus Consensus Range Actual New Claims - Level 283 K 284 K 280 K 275 K to 290 K 287 K 4-week Moving Average - Level 281.00 K 281.25 K 281.00 K New Claims - Change 17 K 18 K 3 K Highlights Jobless claims moved higher in the latest data but averages are still at recovery lows. Initial claims rose 3,000 in the October 25 week to 287,000 but the 4-week average edged slightly lower to 281,000 for the 7th straight decline and the lowest level since May 2000. The average is about 15,000 lower than the month-ago comparison which points to strength for the October employment report.
Continuing claims, which are reported with a 1 week lag, rose 29,000 in the October 18 week, but the 4-week average fell 4,000 to 2.378 million for the lowest level since January 2001. Compared to a month ago, the average is down more than 60,000 which also points to strength for the October employment report.
There are no special factors in today's report, one that underscores yesterday's upbeat assessment of the jobs market by the FOMC.
Weekly series fluctuate more dramatically than monthly series even when the series are adjusted for seasonal variation. The 4-week moving average gives a better perspective on the underlying trend. Data Source: Haver Analytics
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