(Department of Labor) US Jobless claims totaled 232,000 in the week that ended February 19, down by 17,000 from the previous week. The claims were below estimates of 235,000.
On a four-week moving average, jobless claims fell by 7,250 to 236,250.
Continuing claims also edged lower by 112,000 to 1.476 million. The claims were at their lowest since March 14, 1970.
The claims under various state programs fell by 10.4% or 24,824 to 214,873. The decline was higher than the expected fall of 3.3% or 7,928.
The continuing claims under state programs were 1.913 million, down by 2.9% or 57,726. The claims were expected to rise by 2.8% or 54,377.
The initial claims rose the highest in Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. The claims fell the highest in Pennsylvania, California, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
SPY is down -2.37% on premarket, DXY is up +1.06%.
