The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefit for the first time rose unexpectedly last week, although it remained at levels indicating a healthy labor market.
In particular, the initial applications for state unemployment benefits increased by 23,000 to 248,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ended February 12, as announced today by the US Department of Labor.
Analysts’ average estimates in a Reuters poll put the applications at 219,000 for the last week.
Applications have returned to a downward trajectory after a three-month high in mid-January, close to 290,000, amid a rapid rise in coronavirus cases due to the micron mutation.
The United States is now announcing an average of 145,769 new infections a day, up from more than 700,000 in mid-January.
Source: Capital
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