Initial unemployment claims were well below.>

US DATA: Initial unemployment claims were well below expectations in the 

Jan 19 wk, -13k to 199k vs 210k expected. Claims were rev down to 

212,000 in the Jan 12 wk from the previously reported 213k level. NSA 

claims were -76,558 in the Jan 19 wk, vs -58,793 seasonal factors 

expected. 

- The 4-wk moving avg -5,500 to 215,000 in the Jan 19 wk. The avg would 

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

figure as the 233k level in Dec 29 week rolls out.

- Continuing claims -24,000 to 1.713m in the Jan 12 wk, while the 4-wk 

avg +1,250 to 1.730m. The insured rate of unemployment was unchanged 

from 1.2% in the previous week.      

- Initial claims for federal employees +14,965 to 25,419 compared to 

1,658 last year.

- Claims were estimated for California, Hawaii, Kansas, North Dakota, 

Virginia, and West Virginia.