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 UK has launched the largest pilot program of a four-day workweek to research measures of productivity. The trial includes more than 3,000 workers and spans more than 70 companies. The entire project runs for six months. Odessa Jenkins, the president of the e-learning and analytics company Emtrain, joined Cheddar News to break down the logistics of the test. “We are in a time of a wellness revolution, and I think we're all looking for how to make our employees more well and more balanced," she said. "And that's really, I think, the point of this study."
The SEC is taking aim at retail investors. The financial watchdog has released a new game show-themed public service campaign to help investors make informed decisions and do their due diligence before investing, but retail traders say they feel attacked. Tyrone Ross, Founder of 401, breaks down the battle between the two groups, and what can be done to mend their relationship.
New York State passes the country's first 'right to repair' bill covering electronics. The Fair Repair Act would require all manufacturers who sell digital electronic products within state borders to make tools, parts, and instructions for repair available to both consumers and independent shops. Experts believe the new measure could have a drastic impact on the overall cost of repairing devices and products. Gay Gordon-Byrne, Executive Director of The Repair Association joins Cheddar to discuss.
Here are your Need2Know stories for Tuesday June 7, 2022:
Today, voters head to the polls for primary elections in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota.
Senator Joe Manchin said he would support raising age requirements for gun purchases to 21. Manchin told CNN he also "wouldn't have a problem looking at" a ban on AR-15 assault rifles.
Meanwhile, five players on the Tampa Bay Rays roster opted not to wear a patch added to its uniforms intended to celebrate pride month.
