Initial unemployment claims were below in...>

US DATA: Initial unemployment claims were below expectations in the 

June 16 employment survey wk, -3k to 218k vs 220k expected and 223k in 

the May 12 employment survey week, still suggesting a tight labor 

market. Claims were revised up to 221k in the June 9 wk from prev 218k.

- The 4-wk moving avg -4,000 to 221,000 in the June 16 wk vs 213,500 in 

May 12 survey week. The avg would fall further next week if the headline 

figure does not change as the 223k level in May 26 wk rolls out. 

- NSA claims -11,706 to 205,583 in the current wk, compared with the 

-8,417 that seasonal factors expected in the wk. The current wk's level 

is below the year ago level of 228,883.

- Claims were estimated for only for Maine.

- Continuing claims +22k to 1.723m in the June 9 wk after hitting 

another 44-1/2 year low in the previous week. The 4-wk avg -4,750 to 

1.723m, again the lowest since the Dec. 8, 1973 wk.