Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Level Since 1973

July 23, 2015 Share Print 0

The number of people who applied for U.S. unemployment benefits slid to the lowest level since 1973 in the seven days ended July 18, another sign of strong labor-market conditions.

New applications for U.S. unemployment benefits declined by 26,000 to 255,000 in the seven days ended July 18. New claims have been under key 300,000 since late February, the longest run in 15 years.

While economists are likely to be skeptical of this week’s drop, which put claims at the lowest level since November 1973, the data should provide ammunition for those Federal Reserve officials who have been pushing for higher interest rates.

The consensus had been for a small increase in jobless claims. But retoolings at auto plants and other seasonal quirks typical in midsummer make it hard for government economists to adjust the report for seasonally variations. July is one of the most volatile months for jobless claims. Companies don’t always shut down plants in the same week each year or lay off the same number of workers.

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Craig Erlam

Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA at OANDA

Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary. His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News. Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.