Posted on 08/30/2012 6:16:33 AM PDT by John W
WASHINGTON The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits was unchanged last week at a seasonally adjusted 374,000, suggesting slow improvement in the job market.
The Labor Department said Thursday that the four-week moving average, a less volatile measure, increased to 370,250.
Applications are a measure of the pace of layoffs. When they fall consistently below 375,000, it generally suggests that hiring is strong enough to lower the unemployment rate.
Unemployment applications have risen slightly over the past three weeks. Last week's number was revised upward to 374,000 from the 372,000 that was reported initially. That was its second straight increase.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
AP positive spin ping.
The spin is incredible. A new rule has been created this week. As long as this number stays below 370,000 unemployment will go down. Really? That’s a new one.
Told ya all!!! High gas prices, Hate America, Obama, The Destroy America, Democrats = Failed economy!!! End of story!!!
Yeah, whatever you say.
Oops. I got my number wrong. As long as it is below 375,000 we are in the right direction. Magically we are a few thousand below that.
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits was unchanged last week at a seasonally adjusted 374,000, suggesting slow improvement in the job market.
The Labor Department said Thursday that the four-week moving average, a less volatile measure, increased to 370,250.
Applications are a measure of the pace of layoffs. When they fall consistently below 375,000, it generally suggests that hiring is strong enough to lower the unemployment rate.
Unemployment applications have risen slightly over the past three weeks. Last week’s number was revised upward to 374,000 from the 372,000 that was reported initially. That was its second straight increase.
This must be that new math
No, they can report that there was no INCREASE because last week’s figures were revised UPWARD by the amount of the increase so they can report claims remained FLAT, week to week. Otherwise, the headline would have to read “Umemployment claims up by 2,000”. These revisions only happen every week and what, 68 out of the past 69 weeks have seen these same upward “revisions”?
I’ve said all along that these numbers are fudged. It’s been going on through several presidential administrations, Democrat and Republican, but under this administration, the creative accounting has become epic.
Where's the picture of the "WTF Cat?"
Under Bush, the number was 300,000.
AP spin...Unemployment at 25%. 75% of America is working!
I am surprised that there is only 374,000 unemployed. The way the media makes it seem, it should be around 100 million.
So, doing just as horrible as you did last month equalls “slowly improving”? What universe do these people live in?
That is 374,000 NEW applications for unemployment benefits last week alone.
Actually, under Bush it was 250,000. It has been constantly revised upward for Obama. Earlier this year it was 325,000, now all of the sudden it is 375,000. My guess is if he is re-elected it will go to 500,000 by the end of next year.
Lower the standards, that way they can be successfully met.
Re-Elect Obama - "It's not as bad as it could be"
For the first time in 3 years the unemployment rate change is NOT unexpected.
What is happening?
Is there shenanigans going on because of the convention or something?
Think they’ve moved on to the slow improvement meme.
I didn't expect that...............so instead of INCREASING this week by 2000, they can say 'FLAT'.........
Okay.
Is that something like "preelection day" status?
After all this time of getting drunk on Thursdays *drink* when seeing the word unexpectedly me thinks I'm in for a bit of the "DT"s.
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