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.”
Cannabis company Curaleaf has rolled out a series of ads on Twitter, following a high-profile decision by the social media company to permit the federally illegal industry to advertise.
Pinterest launched a new travel hub called "Find Your Routes" to inspire safe travel and highlight black travelers. Cheddar News dives deep into the social media giant's new platform for Black History Month.
More earnings and economic data. Cheddar News takes a peek at next week's Wall Street schedule, including reports from Home Depot, Walmart and Nvidia as well as home sales numbers.
Transit technology company Via raised $110 million in a new round of financing. Clara Fain, chief financial officer of Via, joined Cheddar News to discuss the company's mission to digitize public transit globally.
Over 100,000 job cuts were announced across major industries in January, according to a report. Jon Bell, an employment attorney with Bell Law Group, joined Cheddar News to discuss unemployment benefits and severance packages.
Karen Robbins, senior vice president with UBS Wealth Management, joined Cheddar News to discuss Friday's mixed session as officials hinted at more interest rate hikes.
The Week's Top Stories is a guided tour through the biggest market stories of the week, from winning stocks to brutal dips to the facts and forecasts generating buzz on Wall Street.
