Americans applied for fewer unemployment benefits at the end of 2019, the Labor Department announced Thursday. The number dropped by 2,000 to 222,000 in the seven days up until December 28, although the four-week average ticked up by 4,750 to 233,250.
The report beat expectations that had predicted 225,000 new claims, according to Reuters. The result marks the third consecutive weekly decline.
“I think we’re definitely going to see slightly smaller growth month by month than what we saw in 2019 and that’s consistent with economists expectations’ of the macroeconomy weakening slightly,” in the labor market, Beth Akers, Manhattan Institute senior fellow, told Cheddar.
She will be keeping an eye on manufacturing trends and changes in policy regarding trade for indications about how job numbers will grow (or shrink) in 2020.
“If you’re looking to something to be concerned about, you can look at the four-week moving average, which is up from what it’s been over the course of the year,” Akers said. “But, by and large, these are really strong, positive numbers for the labor market.”
New federal data shows that household wealth in the U.S. has broken a record, reaching $154.3 trillion in the second quarter.
Tuesday is National Video Games Day. John Biggs, editor of Knapsack News and host of the 'Keep Going' podcast, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to save money on your favorite games.
Childcare centers were given funds during the pandemic to help them stay open but those funds are now expiring which could affect tens of thousands of centers. David Peters, CPA and founder of The David Peters Financial Group, joined Cheddar News to explain the changes that are coming and how to save on child care.
'The Little Mermaid' got 16 million views on Disney+ so far after being released earlier this month.
McDonald's said it would eliminate self-serve soda machines by 2032.
Online prices just saw their biggest drop in three years, according to new data.
U.S. small business sentiment dropped in August, for the first time since April.
Bloomingdale's named Olivier Bron its new chief executive, replacing Tony Spring, who will become CEO of Macy's.
Apple's 'Wonderlust' event will kick off Tuesday to showcase its newest products, including the iPhone 15 while Google is facing a federal antitrust lawsuit. Meanwhile, TikTok is rolling out ecommerce on its app.
Apple's 'Wonderlust' event kicked off on Tuesday.
