Initial unemployment claims unch at 245k in.>

US DATA: Initial unemployment claims unch at 245k in Dec 23 pre-holiday 

week vs 239k expected, keeping claims above the recent trend.

- There were estimated data from 15 states this week, an unusually 

large number that could lead to a decent revision next week. The shorter 

reporting period due to the Monday holiday is likely to blame.

 - The 4-wk moving avg +1,750 to 237,750, and could rise further 

next week as the 236,000 level in the Dec 2 week drops out.

- Continuing claims +7,000 to 1.943m in the Dec 16 employment 

survey week, down 17,000 from 1.960m in the Nov 18 survey week.

- Labor said claims filings were still disrupted and still estimated in 

the Virgin Islands. 

- The other estimated states were California, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, 

Maine, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, 

South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.