US jobless claims near 2 1/2 yr low for past month

[Still a Democrat]

Source: Reuters

New U.S. claims for jobless
benefits moved higher last week, but a decline in the four-week
average to a nearly 2-1/2-year low suggested the trend toward a
better labor market remains intact.

...

The spike in claims did little to change perceptions the
economy is now on a sustainable growth path, as flagged by
sturdy data on consumer spending, trade and manufacturing.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0611159520110106

[hayu_lol]

1. The usual first of the year terminations has just begun...

and there is, as yet, no real signs of recovery for working people.

[Hamlette]

2. January is not usually a spike month for unemployment claims

December is worse, as is November (seasonal layoffs) while there are some after Christmas retail layoffs it traditionally is not that great.

And a lower unemployment rate will help all working people as wages will go up some due to competition.

[JDPriestly]

3. Somehow this report is not as encouraging as I would have hoped.

It doesn't mention the fact that so many people are accepting jobs that pay far less than jobs they lost in the past and other very negative factors. We still have a long, long way to go to achieve a meaningful recovery.