Initial Claims in line but extended benefits remain an issue
Initial Jobless Claims were about in line with expectations at 439k vs the estimate of 440k. Last week though was revised up by 3k to 445k. The 4 week average fell to 447k from 454k and is now at the lowest level since Sept ’08 BUT again, those receiving extended benefits remain very elevated. Continuing Claims, up to 26 weeks, fell by 6k but were 44k above expectations and extended benefits past 26 weeks rose by 264k and the total amount still remains elevated. The best conclusion from the data remains the same and that is businesses have dramatically tempered the rate of firing but still seem reluctant to aggressively add to their payrolls as that process will seem more gradual in nature assuming the economy can sustain its healing and recovery in the face of reduced government stimulus and the growing likelihood of higher market interest rates.
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April 1st, 2010 at 10:30 am
[...] of big Friday jobs report, unemployment claims still not stellar. (Big Picture, WSJ, Dash of [...]
April 1st, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Look for those receiving extended benefits from the Feds to fall significantly each week in the coming months as the longest of the unemployed run out of their Tier 4 benefits (the last extension available).
Congress is not discussing a Tier 5 at this point and of course, the Republicans would try to block any such additional extension anyway as they have with each previous extension.
Assuming this “jobless recovery” continues unabated, come voting time in November, there will be a lot more destitute people who i wager will take out their anger on every incumbent up for reelection, regardless of political party.
April 1st, 2010 at 4:44 pm
[...] tempered the rate of firing but still seem reluctant to aggressively add to their payrolls,” says Miller Tabak’s Peter Boockvar. “That process will seem more gradual in nature assuming [...]