[mykroar]

but seasonal volatility makes it difficult to get a clear picture of the labor market's health.

Spin, spin, spin.

And now for something actually unexpected : The prior week's figure was revised to show 5,000 fewer applications than previously reported.

[cripplecreek]

[circlecity]

"The labor market has been gradually improving, with job gains last year averaging 153,000 per month, little changed from 2011. That has not been enough to significantly cut the unemployment rate which ended the year at 7.8 percent."

How does this statement make sense? If the stats show no real improvement in job gains then how is the labor market "gradually improving"?

[skeeter]

Getting a ‘clear picture’ never seems to be a problem when the numbers reflect well on Obama “economic policy”.

[FoxInSocks]

The prior week's figure was revised to show 5,000 fewer applications than previously reported.

But it was quietly revealed later in the article that the number remained an increase nonetheless: "While they increased last week."