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.”
A new report showed that a small portion of American homeowners chose not to purchase homeowners insurance as premiums rise.
The federal government is fining American Airlines $4.1 million for dozens of instances in which passengers were kept on board planes without a chance to exit during long ground delays.
Heather Barnett, editor with Money Crashers, joined Cheddar News to discuss ways to cut down costs when living alone and what apps to use to stay on budget.
Sean Burgess, chief claims officer with Lemonade, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to handle finances and expenses with roommates and which apps are best to use when doing so.
Tesla is defending itself in the first trial against its autopilot assistance feature.
3M has reportedly reached a tentative agreement to pay over $5.5 billion in a settlement from a lawsuit that claimed it sold defective combat earplugs.
Spirit Airlines will pay up to $8.3 million in a class action lawsuit over hidden fees.
Flights in the UK experienced delays after technical issues.
Robotics company Switchbot is working on a new product that helps vacuum and mop.
Instacart filed for an initial public offering to trade on Nasdaq.
