Jobless Claims:  Fall From 1969 Lows

Bottom Line: Initial claims fell again in the last week, surprising expectations for a modest rebound. The trend remains towards modest but steady declines in claims, suggesting continued positive trends in labor markets. The 4-week average is at 208k, below the 13-week average that is now 215k. Jobless Claims FELL by 1k during the week ended September 8th, 204k, compared with market expectations for an increase to 210k.The 4-week average ROSE by 15.0k to 225k and the 13 week average FELL by 1.3k to 215k. Continuing Claims ROSE by 30k during the week ended September 1st to 1,726k, after the prior week was revised slightly higher from 1,708k to 1,711k.The 4-week average FELL by 1k to 1,711k. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, Continuing Claims ROSE by 96k to 1,588k during the week ended August 25th. The Insured Jobless Rate STAYED at 1.2% during the week ended September 1st. The insured jobless rate only reflects the number of people collecting regular state unemployment insurance.