US jobless aid applications fell to 289,000
Source: AP-EXCITE
By JOSH BOAK
WASHINGTON (AP) Fewer people sought U.S. unemployment benefits last week, as jobless claims remain at relatively low levels that point toward stronger economic growth.
Weekly applications for unemployment aid fell 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 289,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The prior week's was revised up slightly to 303,000.
The four-week average, a less volatile measure, fell 4,000 to 293,500. That's the lowest average since February 2006, almost two years before the Great Recession began at the end of 2007.
Applications are a proxy for layoffs. When employers keep their workers, it suggests potentially rising incomes, increased hiring activity and confidence that the economy is improving.
FULL story at link.
In this photo taken Wednesday, July 16, 2014, job seekers check out the opportunities at a Hiring Fair For Veterans in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Labor Department reports on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140807/us--unemployment_benefits-116a0901a6.html
tgards79
(1,415 posts)When are Obama and the Dems finally going to get some love for the state of the economy?
DavidDvorkin
(19,486 posts)progree
(10,918 posts)Even before housing prices peaked (which was June-July 2006).
In case some didn't read that far into it or notice it.