Thursday, July 3, 2008

Unemployment claims rise over 400K

Thursday, July 03, 2008
Unemployment Claims Over 400K
by CalculatedRisk

First a correction: last week I mentioned that historically weekly claims increase after Congress passes an extension to unemployment insurance benefits. In the past, workers who had exhausted their benefits could reapply for extended benefits, and these workers were included in the first time claims report. Although the above was true during previous downturns, the DOL BLS has apparently changed their methodology and the extended benefits are not included in first time claims anymore.So the jump to 400K first time claims is not the result of Congress extending benefits (and it would be too soon anyway).Here is the current report from the Department of Labor for the week ending June 28, showing initial unemployment claims increased to 404,000, and the 4-week moving average was 390,500.

Weekly Unemployment Claims This graph shows the weekly claims and the four week moving average of weekly unemployment claims since 1989.

The four week moving average has been trending upwards for the last few months, and is now at 390,500 - solidly above the possible recession level (approximately 350K).

This graph shows the weekly claims and the four week moving average of weekly unemployment claims since 1989. The four week moving average has been trending upwards for the last few months, and is now at 390,500 - solidly above the possible recession level (approximately 350K).

Thank you again CR and Tanta for all the work you do. Calculated Risk listed in the blogroll is one of the best (if not THE best) economics blog out there. Unemployment is rising. As laid of workers retrain, for profit Education stocks will rise. Please do your own research. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell anything. This blog is not responsible for losses.

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