Jobless Claims in U.S. Decline as Average at 8-Year Low

Olivia Sterns reports on jobless claims falling by 1,000 to 287,000, marking the fourth consecutive week below 300,000, a level not seen since February 2006. This suggests employers are retaining workers as the economy improves. Despite strong nonfarm payrolls and a drop in the unemployment rate to 5.9%, some economists highlight ongoing economic weaknesses, such as long-term unemployment at 11.8% and low participation rates. Overall, the report offers a positive outlook on the labor market.

What was the recent trend in jobless claims according to the report?

• Jobless claims remained unchanged

• Jobless claims increased by 1,000

• Jobless claims fell by 10,000

• Jobless claims fell by 1,000

When was the last time jobless claims were consistently below 300,000 before the current report?

• April 2012

• January 2010

• March 2008

• February 2006

What was the reported unemployment rate in the recent nonfarm payrolls data?

• 7.2%

• 4.8%

• 5.9%

• 6.5%

Which economic indicator is at its lowest level since the 1970s?

• Inflation rate

• Participation rate

• Interest rate

• GDP growth rate

What is the significance of the recent jobless claims data on a monthly basis?

• It is higher than in 2006

• It is the highest since 2006

• It is the lowest since 2006

• It is the same as in 2006