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.”
The U.S. economy added 531,000 jobs in October beating expectations by a large margin. Mark Avallone, founder and president at Potomac Wealth Advisors, joined Cheddar to dive into the numbers and discuss trends like the gains made in leisure and hospitality. "When you look at the hotel chains, the travel-related opportunities out there, they are booming," he said. Avallone noted that delayed life events like weddings have added to the growth, noting that, "The pent up demand for activities that people postponed, plus the desire to enjoy life, is all systems go right now, and I think that's something we're going to see more of."
Noel Kinder, chief sustainability officer at Nike, joined Cheddar to talk about the company's role at the COP26 climate summit from Glasgow, Scotland, and the commitment to reducing its own carbon footprint. Kinder also talked about partnering with the company's supply chain to only use products that are sustainable and meet Nike's goal of being a climate-conscious brand. "We've doubled down on that commitment. We know that our foundation that we've created over those decades is really important, and our consumers really care about this," he said.
A Freitag pod with Carlo and Baker, talking about the upcoming federal vax-or-test deadline, the most shocking upset of this week's elections, an incredible story of selflessness and Love, Hate, Ate.
The Chinese government causing quite a stir after urging families to stock up on essentials ahead of winter months amid a global energy crisis and supply chain woes disruptions. Keith Krach, the former Under Secretary of State and former DocuSign Chairman and CEO, joined Cheddar News to discuss.
It's earnings season for the hospitality industry, with Marriott, MGM, Booking Holdings, and Hyatt all set to report on November 3. The stakes are high as investors look for signs that travel is returning after months of pandemic-related disruptions. Hilary Kramer, chief investment officer for Kramer Capital Research, joined Cheddar to explain why the industry still has a long way to go when it comes to recovering from the pandemic.
