RE: Let me get this straight - We are supposed to be happy that only 289,000 more people lost their jobs last week? This is good news?
This is offset ( i.e. NETTED OUT ) with the number of people who FOUND jobs last week. The NET is supposed to be a positive number.
During “normal” prosperous times, jobless claims average something south of 250,000.
Looking at the initial claims numbers from week to week can be difficult because of volatility.
However, if you look at a 4-week moving average of the weekly initial unemployment claims, you get a much clearer picture of where unemployment is headed in the United States.
If the trend of the 4-week moving average is headed higher, you know the economy is deteriorating.
If the trend of the 4-week moving average is flat, you know the economy is stabilizing.
If the trend of the 4-week moving average is headed lower, you know the economy is improving.
During “normal” prosperous times, jobless claims average something south of 250,000.
You might want to check that stat...
thanks