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.”
It's tax season and while some Americans are looking to get a jump on filing months ahead of the April 18 deadline, the IRS is suggesting that some people hold off.
This Valentine's Day, Americans are expected to drop billions of dollars — all in the name of love.
Peacock will launch a new interactive feature that allows fans to livestream episodes while actors from the shows provide real-time reactions and provide commentary and a Q&A.
More big-name companies are slated to report earnings next week. Cheddar News dives into what will move markets as key economic data are also set to be released.
OKCupid is teaming up with ChatGPT as it tests an AI-generated questions for matching on its app.
Jeep unveiled a limited edition Wrangler, its most expensive version yet at $115,000.
The impact of inflation continues to burden families on a wide range of issues, such as childcare.
U.S. markets ended the week in the red as investors are figuring out how the Federal Reserve will act on interest rates moving forward. Cheddar News speaks with Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, who breaks down the markets' action.
Jeanine Poggi, editor at Ad Age, joined Cheddar News to discuss the commercials slated to make their marks during the Super Bowl.
Cheddar News dived into its Stock of the Week, which is Uber, which topped estimates for its latest earnings report.
