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.”
Stocks closed lower Thursday with all three major indexes on track to end the week lower. The tech-heavy Nasdaq is on track for its worst week since March 2020, and is down 12% from its record high. Meanwhile, the Dow closed below its 200-day moving average for the first time since December 2021. The S&P 500 didn't fare much better, falling 1.1%. Christopher Wolfe, Chief Investment Officer at First Republic Private Wealth Management, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss today's close, this week's market volatility, and more.
Eric Marshall, portfolio manager, Hodges Funds, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he says the airlines are still not out of the woods when it comes to their COVID-19 recovery, and also addresses the impact of Omicron and inflation weighing on companies at the start of 2022.
Connected cars software development platform Smartcar announced this week it has raised $24 million in a Series B round led by Energize Ventures. Smartcar's software can be integrated into mobile and web apps from mobility businesses. It allows users to do things like locate and unlock a vehicle, as well as check its mileage, fuel level, and battery if the vehicle is electric. Smartcar's technology is compatible with 22 different vehicle brands in 31 different countries. Smartcar co-founder and CEO Sahas Katta joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
