Very positive news from the US job market. In the week ending Feb. 23, the number of U.S. workers filing for first-time jobless benefits fell by as much as 22.000 to 344.000, down from 366.000 the week prior (data revised slightly upwards). from 362.000 initially disclosed).
The figure was significantly better than estimates, with analysts who had expected the value at 360.000 units. The average of the last four weeks, a more reliable indicator as it is less subject to volatility, fell -6.750 units to 355.000.
The overall number of workers still receiving benefits for the week ending February 16 also dropped to 3.074.000 from 3.165.000 previously.
