Jobless Claims: Lowest Since March, 1973

Bottom Line: Jobless claims hit their lowest level since March, 1973 last week. After seasonal and weather-related volatility the trend has returned to steady improvement. The 4-week average is at 225k, below the 13-week average that is now 238k. Jobless Claims Jobless claims hit their lowest level since March, 1973 last week. After seasonal and weather-related volatility the trend has returned to steady im FELL by 9k during the week ended February 3rd, 221k, compared with market expectations for an increase to 235k.The 4-week average FELL by 10.0k to 225k and the 13 week average FELL by 1.4k to 238k. Continuing Claims Jobless claims hit their lowest level since March, 1973 last week. After seasonal and weather-related volatility the trend has returned to steady im FELL by 33k during the week ended January 27th to 1,923k, after the prior week was revised slightly higher from 1,937k to 1,956k.The 4-week average ROSE by 13k to 1,946k. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, Continuing Claims FELL by 70k to 2,306k during the week ended January 20th. The Insured Jobless Rate Jobless claims hit their lowest level since March, 1973 last week. After seasonal and weather-related volatility the trend has returned to steady im STAYED at 1.4% during the week ended January 27th. The insured jobless rate only reflects the number of people collecting regular state unemployment insurance.