United States Initial Jobless Claims

Initial jobless claims in the US fell by 6,000 from the previous week to 216,000 on the period ending November 22nd, a third consecutive drop to tie the lowest level since February, and below market expectations of an increase to 225,000. In the meantime, continuing claims rose by 7,000 from the downwardly revised value in the first week of November to 1,960,000. The results continued to reflect a low magnitude of new unemployment claims in the US economy, although elevated levels of outstanding insurance suggest a slowdown in hiring. Initial claims filed by former employees of the Federal government fell by 3,995 to 1,724.