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.”
Airlines will continue to operate fewer flights to New York and Washington to cut down on cancellations and delays.
A new report found that business travel is becoming more expensive.
X Corp. CEO Linda Yaccarino told CNBC that she has "autonomy" under Elon Musk, adding that she wants advertisers to be comfortable to return.
Verizon Wireless said it plans to raise the prices of some of its plans.
Food service workers in Las Vegas are set to take to the Strip Thursday as they demand higher pay and better benefits.
GM President Mark Reuss joined Cheddar News to discuss the company's new Cadillac Escalade electric vehicle and talked about how to make affordable EVs for the general public. "That's who we are as a company -- we will offer vehicles for everybody and every different income level," he said.
Lauren Fix, automotive expert with 'The Car Coach,' spoke with Cheddar News to provide tips and advantages on buying a used vehicle. "You let somebody else take the depreciation, which is probably one of the best things ... you then move in at a two- or three-year-old vehicle that maybe was leased, and you can get some great values," she said.
Disney said it's increasing prices for its ad-free streaming services as the company is losing subscribers and also announced it planned to crack down on password-sharing. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo broke down Disney's moves.
Lawrence Sprung, a certified financial planner and author of 'Financial Planning Made Personal' shares advice about how to teach kids to use credit wisely.
Disney is cracking down on password sharing for Disney+ users.
