MNI: 5 Things We Learned From The Initial Claims Data>

By Kevin Kastner, Holly Stokes and Sara Haire

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The following are the key points from the weekly 

unemployment insurance claims data for the November 4 week released by 

the Labor Department Thursday: 

     - Initial jobless claims rose by 10,000 to 239,000, compared with 

expectations for a 230,000 level. 

     - The four-week moving average fell 1,250 to 231,250, but would be 

expected to rise next week. The average is the lowest since the March 

31, 1973 week when it was 227,750. 

     - Unadjusted claims from Puerto Rico totalled 8,137 after last week 

saw 6,124, as backlogged filings continued to pour in. 

     - Filings in Virgin Islands saw a rise to 199, with filings still 

severely disrupted, the Labor Department said. 

     - Continuing claims rose 17,000 to 1.901 million in the October 28 

week. 

     ** MNI Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 ** 

[TOPICS: MAUDS$,M$U$$$,MAUDR$]