WASHINGTON — Initial jobless claims rose by 20,000 to 245,000 in the December 16 employment survey week, only slightly higher than the 240,000 level in the November 18 employment survey week.
Because claims become volatile during the holidays, the four-week moving average is a better indicator. The moving average rose by 1,250 to 236,000 in the December 16 week, and could rise further in next week's data as the 238,000 level in the November 25 week rolls out of the equation.
Continuing claims rose 43,000 to 1.932 million in the December 9 week, partially recovering the declines seen in the previous two weeks.
