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.”
Orlando, FL Mayor Buddy Dyer spoke with Cheddar News about what's in store this summer for his city as Memorial Day weekend kicks off next week and how his administration is navigating certain political challenges.
Teva Pharmaceuticals saw shares rise during Thursday's session after announcing its growth strategy. Richard Francis, president and CEO of Teva Pharmaceuticals, joined Cheddar News to discuss its pipeline of products that the company expects to help revenue.
Brian Jacobsen, chief economist with Annex Wealth Management, joined Cheddar News to discuss the positive sessions for the stock market as investors were optimistic of a debt ceiling deal ahead of the June 1 deadline.
The Walt Disney Co. says it's scrapping plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.
