Data shows jobless claims drop, retail sales rise

[Turborama]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON – A weak economy got a little lift Thursday with new data suggesting companies aren't pursuing mass layoffs and stores are a little busier.

New applications for unemployment benefits declined for a second straight week after rising in the previous three. Retailers reported surprisingly strong sales in August. And more people signed contracts to buy homes.

Economists were mildly encouraged by the news, which followed several downbeat reports on housing and weaker economic growth last week.

=snip=

New claims for unemployment aid fell last week by 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 472,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The four-week average of claims, a less-volatile measure, fell by 2,500 to 485,500, its first decrease after four straight increases.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100902/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/us_economy

[liberal N proud]

1. So much for that double dip

[Better Today]

4. Really?? You want to take this economy and analyze it like the pukes

analyze global "warming". Just because one week or one month shows improvement, doesn't mean shit. Particularly when so many of these reports have been being revised downward within a month or so. Some of you folks are really resembling those that saw a particularly nasty cold, snowy period last winter and claimed it was proof that global warming wasn't real.

[Tansy_Gold]

7. +1000

You tell 'em, Kid!


:hi:



TG, NTY

[liberal N proud]

10. OK, so I should have included a sarcasm note, BUT

But everyone including many here have had the economy totally collapsing every time a low number comes out. So a little positive spin can't hurt.

[Better Today]

11. I disagree with the idea that false positive spin "can't hurt". I think it hurts a lot.

I know of a few small businesses that have reacted to these little positive news flashes with such hope and energy, which on the surface sounds good, but what it equated to was that they decided to jump on it and started ad campaigns and such they wouldn't have wasted money on if they had seen through the BS. Now instead of more business, they have more debt. Sure they got a few more customers with the marketing blast, but not enough to cover even 25% of the cost of the campaigns.

[Donnachaidh]

12. so this comes out on Thursday

and it's *spun* like golden sunshine over the weekend for the talking heads. And come Monday (or so) other numbers and reports will come out, *downgrading* this *little bit of joy* that's launched so well.

This is happening each month. Some pollyanna will decide because we *only* have under 450 THOUSAND new filings for benefits, we're doing *that much better* than if the numbers were 500K.

Spin baby spin.

Sad part is -- the folks losing those jobs, and the ones who worry about losing their jobs are fully AWARE of this kabuki line dance being put forth - and are rapidly comparing this nonsense to the same shit the pukes used to spin when they had control.

The *Lather, Rinse, Repeat of the Susie Sunshine -Everything's Fine - just don't look over THERE -* program is an epic FAIL.

[tclambert]

15. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' unemployment numbers for August come out tomorrow at 8:30 AM

[superconnected]

13. Oh wait a day and another article will come and say the opposite.

Hard to know what to believe at this point.

Well, I do know one thing - the unemployed I know are still unemployed and the ones kicked off unemployment still can't find a job.

[bushisanidiot]

2. Well THAT is going to piss off the Republican Tea Party.

Be successful = Piss off a republican.

[Dawson Leery]

3. The teaklan won't be happy about this one.

[nebenaube]

5. shinola

Seriously, if they laid anyone else off they would probably have to close their doors and 'back-to-school' shopping happens every year. Hardly indicative of anything positive.

[Better Today]

9. Exactly right.

[Kingofalldems]

6. K and R for the teabaggers and freepers

[Better Today]

8. Why? You want to show them we are as quick to jump on short term

data on the economy as they are about short term data on global warming? Personally, I'd be ashamed to be caught doing the same as they, but hey, go for it.

[superconnected]

14. Right before the November elections - Obamas administration will give the public bailout

to save their arses. You just wait. They want it fresh in everyone's memory.

Pure speculation - but I think I'm right. They tested the water by suggesting in last month then clearly hushed it up.

[tclambert]

16. The Republicans in the Senate would filibuster.

Maybe that's the chess player's plan, though. Right before the election, dare the Republicans to block action that would give people money. "Look who's refusing to help you! Democrats are on YOUR side, but Republicans say, 'No bailout for you.' They had no problem bailing out Wall Street, but won't lift a finger for Main Street."