US / As Gallup’s unemployment rate jumps, jobless claims drop

Gallup tracks daily the percentage of U.S. adults, ages 18 and older, who are unemployed. “Unemployed” respondents are those who are not employed, even for one hour a week, but are available and looking for work. Unemployment is calculated as a percent of the workforce. Monthly results reflect an average of the calendar month, based on telephone interviews with approximately 30,000 adults. Gallup adjusts its unemployment rate using the seasonal adjustment the BLS used in the same month in the prior year.

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via U.S. Unemployment, Seasonally Adjusted.

Jobless claims hint at improving labor market 

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, suggesting some traction in the labor market recovery.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted 344,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The prior week’s claims figure was revised to show 4,000 more applications received than previously reported…

The number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid fell 91,000 to 3.07 million in the week ended February 16, the lowest level since June 2008. The household survey from which the unemployment rate is derived was also conducted during the week ended Feb 16.

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 via Jobless claims hint at improving labor market | Reuters.