Initial unemployment claims were below in...>

US DATA: Initial unemployment claims were below expectations in the 

Jan 5 wk, -17k to 216k vs 220k expected. Claims were rev up to 233,000 

in the Dec 29 wk from the previously reported 231k level. NSA claims 

were +21,208 in the Jan 5 wk, vs +48,717 seasonal factors expected. 

- The 4-wk moving avg +2,500 to 221,750 in the Jan 5 wk. The avg would 

fall next week if there is no change from this week's headline figure as 

the 217k level in Dec 15 week rolls out.

- Continuing claims -28,000 to 1.722m in the Dec 29 wk, while the 4-wk 

avg +15,250 to 1.721m. The insured rate of unemployment was unchanged 

from 1.2% in the previous week.

- Claims were estimated for Puerto Rico.