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

By Kevin Kastner, Sara Haire and Holly Stokes

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

unemployment insurance claims data for the December 16 week released by 

the Labor Department Thursday: 

     - The initial claims data showed a 20,000 increase to 245,000 in 

the December 16 employment survey week, above the 235,000 level expected 

and ahead of recent levels. 

     - Claims are usually volatile during the holidays, so it is better 

to watch the four-week moving average. That measure rose this week by 

1,250 to 236,000. The average could rise further next week as the 

238,000 level in November 25 week rolls out. 

     - The level of initial claims is only up 5,000 from the 240,000 

level in the November 18 employment survey week, so its predictive 

power for December payrolls is rather small.  

     - Continuing claims rose by 43,000 to 1.932m in the December 9 

week. 

     - Claims filings in the Virgin Islands are still impacted by 

the after-effects of the hurricanes, as they were estimated again. 

Maine filings were also estimated. 

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

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