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.”
Microsoft is reportedly looking to invest $10 billion in OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, which would place the value of the company at $29 billion. Investors believe the new technology company could change the world as Google did.
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Microsoft said it doesn't comment on rumors or speculation after Cheddar News asked for a comment about a report that the tech giant was in talks for a $10 billion investment in OpenAi.
Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief of Investopedia, joined Cheddar News to discuss playing the bond market, specifically corporate bonds and the risks involved.
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Calire Tassin, retail and e-commerce analyst at Morning Consult joined Cheddar News to discuss misses from retailers on Q4 earnings as well as Bed Bath & Beyonds rumored potential bankruptcy.
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Microsoft is reportedly considering a $10 billion investment in San Francisco-based startup OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT.
