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.”
For video games, 2021 was about growth and the arrival of new frontiers, like the metaverse and NFTs. But, the sector also struggled with lingering problems that cast a pall over the entire industry, from supply chain constraints to the persistent issue of workplace misconduct.
Small businesses are finding a lifeline for marketing and sales in getting eyeballs on their products and services via TikTok and Instagram. Senior reporter Michelle Castillo reports.
From Wall Street to Silicon Valley, these are the top stories that moved markets and had investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs talking this week on Cheddar.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week, remaining at a historically low level that reflects the job market’s strong recovery from the coronavirus recession last year.
Stocks closed higher on Wall Street Thursday, leaving major indexes with solid gains in this holiday-shortened week.
While calls for more crypto education are common in an industry that is often explaining itself, the idea that everyone should be learning more about crypto is beginning to spread.
The U.S. has opened a formal investigation into the potential for Tesla drivers to play video games on a center touch screen while the vehicle is in motion.
Stocks closed higher on Wall Street Wednesday, adding to the week’s gains ahead of the Christmas holiday.
A strike at Kellogg that has gone on since early October has ended after workers voted to ratify a new labor contract at the company’s four U.S. cereal plants.
While supply chain issues may delay items you ordered for the holidays, Amazon is confident its investments in logistics, workforce labor, and stock will ensure you get that package in a timely manner.
