Continued unemployment claims data by the Department of Labor, chart by Mish.Continued Claims Key Points
Initial ClaimsInitial Claims Key Points
Initial and Continued Claims Since 2000 Neither initial nor continued claims are ringing big alarm bells, at least from a level standpoint.But the level is not the warning signal. Rather a sustained uptick from a relatively low level is the proper signal.Still the chart itself is not that convincing. But the chart in conjunction with weakening data across the board is more convincing, especially the uptick in continued claims after going sideway for a year.Data is weakening across then board. That’s the signal. Things no longer have a rolling recession look where one segment of the economy makes up for weakness elsewhere. Weakness is pervasive in housing, consumer spending, and durable goods orders.More By This Author:Durable Goods New Orders Rise Slightly From Big Negative RevisionBig Banks Pass An Extreme Stress Test Including 10 Percent Unemployment New Home Sales Decline Over 11 Percent After Big Upward Revision