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.”
Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO and chief strategist of Quill Intelligence, joined Cheddar News to discuss the market that is still digesting comments from the Federal Reserve about its monetary policy.
A study by research company Euromonitor International found that the number of available banking machines in the U.S. has dropped by more than 18,000 since 2019.
Apple is building a new iPhone factory in India as it shifts some production there from China.
Meta slashed prices of its Quest virtual reality headsets.
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Amazon paused the next phase of construction on its second headquarters in Arlington, Va.
Sales of Tesla vehicles made in China rose in February after the company lowered prices that led to higher demand.
Fast casual pasta chain Due' Cucina recently raised $2.5 million in a new financing round. Davide Macchi, co-founder and CEO of Due Cucina, joined Cheddar News to discuss the company's operations and what lies ahead.
Millions of Americans with retirement plans switch jobs every year. Bobbi Rebell, certified financial planner & personal finance expert, joined Cheddar News to discuss what to do when doing so.
Railroad unions report that workers for Norfolk Southern who were present at the derailment and chemical spill site in East Palestine, Ohio, have been falling ill.
