2016 US Unemployment Extension News
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12/18/2016: in December of 2016 : Industrial capacity utilization fell -0.4% month-over-month to 75%, the lowest level since 2010. New residential construction is also down by -4.7% comparing to last month and -6.6% vs. year ago. The new number of unemployment claims decreased by 4,000, to reach a total of 254,000 mainly due to job gains in NY and PA in construction, transportation, and warehousing. The four-week moving average increased by 5,250, to reach 257,750. Insured unemployment increased by 11,000 to reach 2.02 million.
12/11/2016: in December of 2016 : The current average hourly rate is $25.89, an increase of +2.5% since November 2015 (+0.9% when adjusted for inflation). During the same period, the national real GDP increased much faster by an estimated +1.6%. The labor participation rate declined from 62.8% to 62.7%. It is now 3.5% lower than the pre-recession level of 66.2%. FRED's Labor Market Index slightly improved to +1.5%. The new number of unemployment claims decreased by 10,000 to 258,000. The four-week moving average increased by 1,000 to 252,500. Insured unemployment decreased by 79,000 to reach 2.05 million.
12/4/2016: in December of 2016 : November's national unemployment rate declined to 4.6% with an additional 178,000 jobs in the US economy. If you are unable to feel this seemingly significant improvement in the unemployment rate, you are not alone, as this is just an effect of reassessment in the civilian labor population. The labor participation rate has declined to 62.7%, comparing to pre-recession 66.2%, signifying 8.9 million jobs permanently lost by US economy. The weekly claims for unemployment benefits increased by 17,000, to 268,000. The four-week moving average is flat at 251, 500. Insured unemployment rose by 38,000 to reach 2.08 million.
11/27/2016: in November of 2016 : November's preliminary national unemployment rate is 4.6%. Hourly rates and wages are also expected to outperform any post-recession rates. The last week number of unemployment claims increased by 18,000 to reach 251,000, mainly due to the effect of calculation methodology and doesn't reflect any actual job losses. The four-week moving average fell by 2,000, to reach 251,000. Insured unemployment rose by 60,000 to reach 2.04 million.
11/20/2016: in November of 2016 : For the first time since summer, FRED upgraded the Labor Market Index to positive. The US economy exhibits signs of accelerating growth partially due to businesses expediting hiring of new employees. The number of issued building permits is at 43-year high. The new number of unemployment claims decreased by 19,000 to reach 235,000, the lowest level since 1973. The four-week moving average fell by 6,500, to reach 253,500. Insured unemployment dropped by 66,000 to reach 1.98 million. However, the well-paid jobs represent just a small fraction of all newly created jobs with the majority in low-paying service, retail, security, and health care industries.
11/14/2016: in November of 2016 : The current average hourly rate is $25.92, an increase of +2.8% since October 2015 (or +0.9% when adjusted for inflation). During the same period, the national real GDP grew by an estimated +1.5% (or shrank by -0.3% when adjusted for inflation). Most of the growth took place in information technology and utilities, while the wages in retail, education and healthcare stagnated. The new number of unemployment claims decreased by 11,000 to 254,000. The four-week moving average increased to 259,750. Insured unemployment rose by 18,000 to reach 2.04 million.
11/6/2016: in November of 2016 : October's national unemployment rate decreased to 4.9% with an additional 161,000 jobs in the US economy, mostly in Private Education and Healthcare (fastest growing industries), Professional Services and Government (added 208,000 jobs since last October). The labor participation rate has slightly declined to 62.8% but is still 3.4% higher than the pre-recession rate (i.e. 8.6 million jobs permanently vanished from the economy). The weekly claims for unemployment benefits increased by 7,000, to 265,000. The four-week moving average rose by 4,750, to reach 257,750. Insured unemployment decreased by 14,000 to reach 2.03 million.
10/30/2016: in October of 2016 : Despite FRED's downgrade of the Labor Market index to negative, October's national unemployment rate decreased to 4.9% with approximately 160,000 new jobs created in US economy. The new number of unemployment benefit claims decreased by 3,000 to reach 258,000, mainly due to fewer layoffs in KY and MI. The four-week moving average rose by 1,000, to reach 253,000. Insured unemployment dropped by 15,000 to reach 2.04 million, the lowest level since mid-2000.
10/23/2016: in October of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Labor Statistics Department, the new number of unemployment claims increased by 13,000, to reach a total of 260,000 mainly due to job losses in KY, CA, and MI. The 4-week moving average rose by 2,250 to 251,750. Insured unemployment increased by 7,000 to reach 2.06 million.
10/16/2016: in October of 2016 : U.S. average hourly rate grew by 2.6% since September 2015 in comparison with the real GDP that increased by only 1.4%. Most of the growth took place in high tech and the least in retail. The labor participation rate improved from 62.8% to 62.9% mainly due to higher employment among those with bachelor's or more advanced degrees, which has been the trend since 2000. The new number of unemployment benefit claims remains unchanged at 246,000. The four-week moving average decreased by 3,500, to reach 249,250, the lowest level since 1973. Insured unemployment fell by 16,000 to reach 2.05 million - considered the best employment situation since 2000.
10/9/2016: in October of 2016 : September's national unemployment rate increased to 5.0%. The US employers added 156,000 new jobs in professional services and healthcare. For the first time since March of 2016, the labor participation rate has improved to 62.9%. The weekly claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 5,000, to 249,000. The four-week moving average fell by 2,500, to reach 253,500 - the lowest level since 1973. Insured unemployment fell by 6,000 to reach 2.06 million.
10/2/2016: in October of 2016 : September's national unemployment rate has increased to 5.0% with approximately 170,000 new jobs added by US employers. Income taxes are up 6% since August, setting expectations for a strong economic growth. The new number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 3,000 to reach 254,000 mainly due to job losses in MI. The four-week moving average fell by 2,250, to reach 256,000. Insured unemployment dropped by 46,000 to reach 2.06 million, the lowest level since mid-2000.
9/25/2016: in September of 2016 : While the new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 8,000 last week to reach the lowest 252,000 level in months, home sales have lost momentum, and the overall economic outlook appears to be somewhat discouraging. Economists predict payroll employment growth is just around the corner. Job gains took place in CA, TX, and NJ in Service industry. The four-week moving average increased by 2,250, to reach 258,500. Insured unemployment decreased by 36,000 to reach 2.11 million.
9/18/2016: in September of 2016 : U.S. average hourly rate increased by 2.5% since August 2015, meanwhile the real GDP grew by only 1.1 % during the same period. The economy reached equilibrium. Any improvements will require significant effort on the part of the U.S. government. The new number of unemployment benefit claims rose to 260,000 mainly due to job losses in VA. The four-week moving average decreased to 260,750. Insured unemployment increased by 1,000 to reach 2.14 million.
9/11/2016: in September of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the labor participation rate remains unchanged at 62.8%. It is 3.4% lower than the pre-recession level. The new number of unemployment benefit claims decreased by 4,000 last week, to reach a total of 259,000 due to job gains in NY, MI, and LA mostly due to new jobs in Transportation, Warehousing, and Education. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,750, to reach 263,000. Insured unemployment fell by 7,000 to reach 2.14 million.
9/5/2016: in September of 2016 : August's national unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.9%. The US employers added 151,000 new jobs mostly in Healthcare, Food Services (fastest growing industry), and Professional Services. The unemployment rate has reached a plateau and has remained constant since the beginning of 2016. The labor participation rate is flat at 62.8% with no signs of improvement since October 2013. The weekly claims for unemployment benefits increased by 2,000, to 263,000. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,000, to reach 263,000. Insured unemployment increased by 14,000 to reach 2.16 million.
8/28/2016: in August of 2016 : August's preliminary national unemployment is 4.8% with approximately 150,000 new jobs added to US economy. The new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 1,000 to reach 261,000 mainly due to job gains in CA. The four-week moving average fell by 1,000, to reach 256,500. Insured unemployment dropped by 30,000 to reach 2.15 million.
8/21/2016: in August of 2016 : The new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 4,000 last week, to reach a total of 262,000. Job gains took place in PA, OH, and CA in Transportation and Warehousing, offset by job losses in OR. The four-week moving average increased by 2,500, to reach 265,250. Insured unemployment rose by 15,000 to reach 2.18 million.
8/14/2016: in August of 2016 : The current U.S. average hourly rate is at $25.69 (an increase of 2.6% since July 2015 or 1.6% when adjusted to account for the consumer price index). The new number of unemployment benefit claims rose to 266,000 mostly due to job losses in MI in Wholesale. The four-week moving average increased to 262,750. Insured unemployment rose by 14,000 to reach 2.16 million.
8/7/2016: in August of 2016 : July's preliminary national unemployment rate remains flat at 4.9% with approximately 200,000 new jobs added to already strong US economy. Economists predict that the interest rates may start rising sooner than anticipated. The new number of unemployment benefits claims rose by 14,000 last week, to reach 266,000 mainly due to job losses in NY, MI, and MO in Transportation, Warehousing, and Manufacturing. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,000, to reach 256,500. California’s unemployment rate increases for the first time since 2010. Insured unemployment grew by 7,000 to reach 2.14 million.
8/2/2016: in August of 2016 : July's preliminary national unemployment rate remains flat at 4.9% with approximately 200,000 new jobs added to already strong US economy. Economists predict that the interest rates may start rising sooner than anticipated. The new number of unemployment benefits claims rose by 14,000 last week, to reach 266,000 mainly due to job losses in NY, MI, and MO in Transportation, Warehousing, and Manufacturing. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,000, to reach 256,500. California’s unemployment rate increases for the first time since 2010. Insured unemployment grew by 7,000 to reach 2.14 million.
7/24/2016: in July of 2016 : July marks the 7th year of the economic recovery. In 2016, the economy has expanded by 2.6% or more than two times faster than the economic forecast. Manufacturing orders are also on the rise. The new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 1,000, to reach a total of 253,000, the lowest level since the beginning of summer, mainly due to job gains in NY and MI offset by job losses in GA and CA. The four-week moving average fell by 1,250, to reach 257,750. Insured unemployment decreased by 25,000 to reach 2.13 million.
7/17/2016: in July of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the current average hourly rate is at $25.61 (an increase of 65 cents compare to July 2015). The new number of unemployment benefit claims is flat at 254,000. The four-week moving average decreased by 5,750, to reach 259,000. Insured unemployment increased by 32,000 to reach 2.15 million.
7/10/2016: in July of 2016 : June's national unemployment rate increased to 4.9% mostly due to temporary jobs. The US economy added a total of 287,000 new jobs in Leisure, Hospitality, Education and Healthcare, while Transportation and Warehousing lost jobs. The real unemployment rate rose by 0.1% to 8.5%. The labor participation rate improved by 0.1% to 62.7% (still significantly lower than pre-recession 66.2%). The weekly claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 16,000, to reach 254,000. The four-week moving average fell by 2,500, to reach 264,750. Insured unemployment dropped by 44,000 to reach 2.12 million.
7/3/2016: in July of 2016 : Preliminary June 2016 U.S. unemployment rate is 4.9% with employers adding 287,000 new jobs. The new number of unemployment benefit claims increased by 10,000 last week, to reach a total of 268,000. Job gains took place in CA, NY, and PA across Manufacturing and Service industries. The four-week moving average remained unchanged from the previous week's 266,750. Insured unemployment decreased by 20,000 to reach 2.12 million.
6/26/2016: in June of 2016 : With one-third of all states approaching full employment, average wages are just about to start growing again, while the new number of unemployment benefit claims decreased by 18,000 last week, to reach a total of 259,000. Job gains took place in CA, PA, and NY in Service and Administrative industries, offset by job losses in NJ. The four-week moving average decreased by 2,250, to reach 267,000. Insured unemployment fell by 20,000 to reach 2.14 million.
6/19/2016: in June of 2016 : Annual growth is expected to be at 1.8% in 2016, down 0.6% from 2.4% last year. On the bright side, the economy is not at risk of overheating as it nears full employment. The interest rate is expected to increase only modestly. Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the new number of unemployment benefits claims rose by 13,000 last week, to reach a total of 264,000 due to job losses in CA and PA mostly due to layoffs in high tech industry. The four-week moving average decreased by 250, to reach 264,000. Insured unemployment rose by 45,000 to reach 2.16 million.
6/12/2016: in June of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the labor participation rate has dwindled further expanding the gap with the pre-recession level. It is now 3.6% lower than in 2008 signifying 9 million Americans have completely vanished from the workforce. This number includes the sick as well as others no longer actively looking for work. The new number of unemployment benefit claims decreased by 4,000 last week, to reach a total of 264,000 due to employment gains in CA, GA, and MO mostly due to seasonal jobs in the Service industry. The four-week moving average decreased by 7,500, to reach 269,500. Insured unemployment fell by 77,000 to reach 2.1 million.
6/05/2016: in June of 2016 : May's national unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% mostly due to contract and temporary jobs, while long-term unemployment situation hasn't improved. The US economy added a total of 38,000 new jobs in Healthcare offset by job losses in Mining. The real unemployment rate improved by 0.2% to 8.4%. The labor participation rate dropped by 0.2% to 62.6%. The weekly claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 1,000, to reach 267,000. The four-week moving average fell by 1,750, to reach 276,750. Insured unemployment increased by 12,000 to reach 2.17 million.
5/29/2016: in May of 2016 : Reported by the Labor Statistics Department, the new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 10,000 last week, to reach a total of 268,000. Job gains took place in MI, CA, and MO in Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Transportation with average wages in low $20's per hour, offset by job losses in TN. The four-week moving average increased by 2,750, to reach 278,500. Insured unemployment rose by 10,000 to reach 2.16 million.
5/22/2016: in May of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Labor Statistics Department, the new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 16,000 for the week ended May 14, to reach a total of 278,000 mainly due to unrealized unemployment benefits for striking NY-based Verizon workers. The four-week moving average increased by 7,500, to reach 275,750. Insured unemployment fell by 13,000 to reach 2.15 million.
5/15/2016: in May of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the new number of unemployment benefits claims increased by 20,000 last week, to reach a total of 294,000 due to job losses in NY, PA, and MI mostly due to a 40,000-employee strike at NY-based Verizon. The four-week moving average increased by 10,250, to reach 268,250. Insured unemployment rose by 37,000 to reach 2.16 million.
5/8/2016: in May of 2016 : April's national unemployment rate remains flat at 5.0%. The US economy added a total of 160,000 new jobs. The real unemployment rate hasn't improved since November of 2015 and remains flat at 8.6%. The labor participation rate dropped by 0.2% to 62.8%. The number of weekly claims for unemployment benefits increased by 17,000, to reach 274,000 mainly due to job losses in MI, OH, and KS. The four-week moving average rose by 2,000, to reach 258,000. Insured unemployment fell by 8,000 to 2.12 million.
5/1/2016: in May of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the new number of unemployment benefits claims increased by 9,000 last week, to reach 257,000 mainly due to job losses in IL, MA, and RI across multiple industries, including Financial Services, Information Technology, and Education. The four-week moving average decreased by 4,750, to reach 256,000 - the lowest level since 1973. Insured unemployment fell by 5,000 to reach 2.13 million.
4/24/2016: in April of 2016 : Reported by the Labor Statistics Department, the new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 6,000 last week, to reach a total of 247,000 mainly due to job gains in NJ, NY and WI in Transportation, Warehousing, and Public Administration. The four-week moving average decreased by 4,500, to reach 260,500. Insured unemployment fell by 39,000 to reach 2.14 million - the lowest level since November 2000.
4/17/2016: in April of 2016 : This week marks the single longest stretch since 1973 of 58 sequential weeks of initial claims under 300,000, though there are 13.7 million unemployed Americans (or 8.6%) who are looking for a job, but unable to find one. The updated number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 13,000 last week, to reach a total of 253,000 mainly due to job gains in CA and AR in services partially offset by job losses in NY, NJ, and PR in Transportation, Education, and Warehousing. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,500, to reach 265,000. Insured unemployment fell by 18,000 to reach 2.17 million.
4/10/2016: in April of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, average wages grew 0.3% month-over-month. The new number of unemployment benefits claims decreased by 9,000 last week, to reach a total of 267,000 due to job gains in CA, PA, and NJ in Transportation, Accommodation, and Food Services. The four-week moving average increased by 3,500, to reach 266,750. Insured unemployment increased by 19,000 to reach 2.19 million.
4/3/2016: in April of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, March's national unemployment rate increased to 5.0%. Employers added 215,000 new jobs. The real unemployment rate remained flat at 8.6%. The number of new claims for unemployment benefits rose by 11,000 last week, to reach a total of 276,000. The four-week moving average increased by 3,500, to reach 263,250. Insured unemployment decreased by 7,000 to reach 2.17 million.
3/27/2016: in March of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 6,000 last week, to reach a total of 265,000 due to job gains in IL, NY, and NJ in Health Care, Social Assistance, and Administrative industries. The four-week moving average increased by 250, to reach 259,750. Insured unemployment decreased by 39,000 to reach 2.18 million.
3/20/2016: in March of 2016 : This week signifies a single longest stretch since 1973 of 54 consecutive weeks of initial claims under 300,000. The new number of initial unemployment benefit claims increased by 7,000 last week, to reach a total of 265,000 mostly due to job losses in CA and WA across multiple industries offset by job gains in NY, NJ, and IL. The 4-week moving average increased by 750, to reach 268,000. Insured unemployment rose by 8,000 to reach 2.24 million.
3/13/2016: in March of 2016 : Reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, February's real national unemployment rate is at 8.6% (a decrease of 0.1% from January) and 1.3% higher than pre-recession level. The new number of unemployment benefits claims fell by 18,000 last week, to reach a total of 259,000 due to job gains in NY in Transportation and Warehousing. The four-week moving average decreased by 2,500, to reach 267,500. Insured unemployment fell by 32,000 to reach 2.23 million.
3/3/2016: in March of 2016 : February's national unemployment rate remains flat at 4.9%. Reported by the US Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 6,000 last week, to reach a total of 278,000 mostly due to job losses in NY and CA, partially offset by job gains in the MA. The four-week moving average decreased by 1,750, to reach 272,000. Insured unemployment increased by 3,000 to reach 2.26 million.
2/28/2016: in February of 2016 : Published by the Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new unemployment benefits claims increased by 10,000, to reach a total of 272,000. Most of the new jobs were added in CA, NY, and MI, offset by the job losses in MA. The 4-week moving average declined by 1,250, to reach 272,000. Insured unemployment fell by 19,000 to reach 2.25 million. While the official unemployment rate is 4.9%, the real unemployment rate (includes long-term unemployed who no longer qualify for benefits) is at 8.7%.
2/21/2016: in February of 2016 : Reported by the Labor Statistic Department, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 7,000 last week, to reach a total of 262,000. Most of the new jobs were created in PA, IL, and TX. The highest unemployment rates are in AK, WV, and NJ. The four-week moving average decreased by 8,000, to reach 273,250. Insured unemployment increased by 30,000 to reach 2.27 million. There are currently no states eligible for extended benefits.
2/15/2016: in February of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 16,000 last week, to reach a total of 269,000. IL, TN, and MD produced most of the new jobs across multiple industries. The four-week moving average decreased by 3,500, to reach 281,250. Insured unemployment dropped by 21,000 to reach 2.24 million. The long-term unemployment rate remains high at 1.3% of the total labor force.
2/7/2016: in February of 2016 : Reported by the Labor Statistics Department, January's national unemployment rate declined to 4.9%, the lowest level since February 2008. The number of new unemployment benefit claims increased by 8,000 last week, to reach a total of 285,000 due to job losses in IL, PA, and TN. The four-week moving average rose by 2,000, to reach 284,750. Insured unemployment decreased by 18,000 to reach 2.26 million.
1/31/2016: in January of 2016 : Reported by the US Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 16,000 last week, to reach a total of 278,000 due to job gains in NY, PA, and GA in Transportation, Warehousing, and Manufacturing, partially offset by layoffs in the CA Service industry. The four-week moving average decreased by 2,250, to reach 283,000. Insured unemployment increased by 49,000 to reach 2.27 million. Preliminary January's national unemployment rate remains flat at 5%.
1/24/2016: in January of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 10,000 last week, to reach a total of 293,000. CA, TX, and NY produced for most of the job losses mainly in the agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation industries. The four-week moving average increased by 6,500, to reach 285,000. Insured unemployment dropped by 56,000 to reach 2.21 million.
1/17/2016: in January of 2016 : Reported by the Department of Labor Statistics, the number of new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 7,000 last week, to reach a total of 284,000. NY, GA, and PA are responsible for most of the job losses in the transportation, warehousing, and manufacturing industries. The four-week moving average increased by 3,000, to reach 278,750. Insured unemployment increased by 29,000 to reach 2.26 million.
1/8/2016: in January of 2016 : Published today by the Department of Labor Statistics, the December unemployment rate remained steady at 5.0%. The new number of unemployment benefit claims decreased by 10,000 last week (mostly in CA, TX, and FL in the Service and Agriculture industries), to reach a total of 277,000. The four-week moving average declined by 1,250, to reach 275,750. Insured unemployment grew by 25,000 to reach 2.23 million.
1/2/2016: in January of 2016 : Published by the Labor Statistics Department, the new number of unemployment benefits claims increased by 20,000 last week (NJ by 7,000, MI by 6,000 and KY by 5,500), to reach a total of 287,000. The four-week moving average rose by 4,500 and now at 277,500. Insured unemployment grew by 3,000 to reach 2.2 million. The preliminary national unemployment rate for December is at 4.9%.
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*IMPORTANT: Be sure to check with your State for details on your full eligibility requirements, or to begin the voluntary benefits process.
