Takeaway: Although the newly accelerated, albeit still gradual, recovery in initial claims is positive, total program claims remain high and unmoved.

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Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - 06.02.2020 need jobs in Oz cartoon  2

HEDGEYE FINANCIALS WEEKLY LABOR MARKET READING

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - Summary 

Regular state claims decreased -42K (-6%) w/w to 712K, while new PUA claims increased +9K (+10%) w/w to 478K.

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - Initial 

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - PUA

Continuing state claims of 4.1 million fell -4% w/w.

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - Continuing

Meanwhile, Total Claimants, a figure that is lagged by two weeks, increased +2M (+12%) w/w to 20.1 million.

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - Total

PEUC claims increased +986K (+22%) w/w to 5.4M.

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - PEUC

Although initial and continuing state claims continue to very slowly trend downwards, both figures remain at dauntingly high levels.

Nonetheless, the projected benefits of refreshed stimulus and the new, greater prospects for additional stimulus following the new Congressional makeup in Washington will more than likely prove successful in further suppressing the symptoms of widespread and increasingly permanent unemployment over the next few months.

Recovery For Initial State Claims Picks up - 152627