Initial Unemployment Benefit Claims Rise to Highs Since Early September

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that Initial claims for unemployment benefits increased by 23,000 in the week ended December 12 to 885,000, being that the market consensus was for a reading of 800,000. It is the second consecutive weekly rise and the highest figure since September.

Regarding the continued orders, a decrease of 273,000 was registered in the week ended December 5 to 5,508,000, a number lower than the 5,598,000 expected by analysts. It is the lowest figure since March.

The unexpected rise in initial orders was partly overshadowed by the larger-than-expected decline in continuing orders. Both remain at historically high levels.

Data for the real estate sector and manufacturing activity indicators from the Philadelphia and Kansas Fed were released at the same time. The dollar fell slightly behind them, continuing under pressure.

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