Economic EventInitial Claims
UnitsThousands of Claims
Current Period10/10/2009
Release DateOct. 15. 09
Reported514
Consensus for Current Period508
Number of Forecasts6
Economic Surprise6 ( 1.18 % )
Prior Period10/03/2009
Reported Value for Prior Period524
Revised From521
Next Release DateOct. 22. 09
Next Release Time8:30 AM Eastern Time
Source http://ows.doleta.gov/press/2009/101509.asp
NoteThe 4-week moving average was 531,500, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week " s revised average of 540,500.
DescriptionInitial jobless claims measure the amount of filings for state jobless benefits. This indicator of the direction of the economy can be misleading, with increases in claims potential signaling slowing job growth. Typically a four week moving average provides a better sense of the underlying trend. A move of 30K is necessary to signal a meaningful change in job growth.
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