Initial Jobless Claims at 362k, Analysts had Expected 355k

The Employment and Training Division of the Department of Labor Released their initial claims report today, Thursday. The report showed a rise of 8k with 362k in claims, analysts had forecast an increase of 355k. Last week’s results had shown an increase of 351k. The four week moving average has been trending downward since January standing at 354k on February 25. There has also been a decrease in the volatility of this factor suggesting a stabilizing effect on lay off numbers. Continuing claims, which is a less important factor for analysis because of its intransitory nature was expected to rise…