The key word here is "claims". A huge number of people don't count (der 0berFuhrer refuses to acknowledge those that don't bow down to him), many have given up (you can beat your head against a brick wall for only so long), others have exhausted their benefits, while still others don't wants to jeopardize their chance at a free 0bamaphone by lifting a finger (Life is Good - 0bamunists to the core).
Thus, the term: "initial claims for unemployment." As opposed to "continuing claims for unemployment." As opposed to the "unemployment rate" (U3, U6, etc.).
Yep. The recent lay offs aren't eligible for benefits. They didn't work long enough.
There are no new jobs. They're still cutting back around the country. That can only mean the number of those who are eligible for benefits have gone down.
PS - Washington has printed so much monopoly money, we're running head first into a bond market crash. Expect the democrats to blame the debt limit debate for it ( because the American people are pretty stupid when it comes to economics. Most are public schooled).
That means massive inflation, i.e., 1930's type depression. Brace yourselves.