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.”
Over 140 CEOs sent President Joe Biden and Congressional leaders an open letter on the potential major devastation the economy could face if a debt ceiling agreement isn't reached. Josh Silverman, CEO of Etsy, spoke with Cheddar News to explain his reasoning why he joined in on the letter.
Uber unveiled some new features at its annual product showcase. Cheddar News discussed some of these products, most of which are geared toward families, along with group grocery orders and group rides.
Alex Morris, president and chief investment officer with F/M Investments, joined Cheddar News to discuss Wednesday's trading session as stocks climbed amid optimism over a potential debt ceiling deal just days ahead of a deadline.
A tiff over Taco Tuesday is heating up, with Taco Bell asking U.S. regulators to force a Wyoming-based fast-food chain to abandon its longstanding claim to “Taco Tuesday” as a trademark.
On this edition of Stretching Your Dollar, Bobbi Rebell, author of "Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart," gives some tips on how to save a little extra each week.
