Initial Claims

Source: The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor.
Release: 8:30 ET each Thursday. Data is for week ended prior Saturday.
Web: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/main.htm

Initial jobless claims reflects the number of claims filed for state unempolyment benefits in the previous week. Increases in claims potential reflect slowing job growth, and decreases reflect accellerating growth in the job market. Due to the volatility of the number, many analysts look at a four week moving average. Look for a move of at least 30K in claims to indicate a significant change in job growth.

See also: Nonfarm Payrolls, The Employment Report