Economic Report:Initial Weekly Jobless Claims
Released by:U.S. Department of Labor
Release Date/Time:8:30a.m. Weekly, every Thursday
Website:http://www.dol.gov
Description:A a measure of the number of people filing first-time claims for state unemployment insurance. In other words, it provides a measure of strength in the labor market. A larger than expected number indicates weakness in this market which influences the strength and direction of the US economy. Generally speaking, a decreasing number should be taken as positive or bullish for stocks and bearish for bonds.