Drop in Unemployment Applications Suggests Hiring May Improve
Another indication that the jobs picture may be getting ready to improve came Thursday with the Labor Department’s announcement that weekly unemployment benefit applications dropped by 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 388,000. It was the lowest level since early April, and the fourth decline in five weeks. The four-week average dropped below 400,000 for the first time in seven months, to 396,750. The numbers suggest an easing in layoffs, which could be setting the stage for an increase in hiring. Applications need a consistent drop below 375,000 for sustained job growth. The last time that number was seen was in…