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

By Kevin Kastner

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

unemployment insurance claims data for the December 23 week released by 

the Labor Department Thursday: 

     - The claims data were generally a non-story, with no change in the 

headline number this week, but a sizable number of states needing to 

estimate their data could lead to a large revision next week. 

     - The initial claims data held steady at 245,000 in the December 23 

pre-holiday week, above the recent trend, but claims data around the 

holidays are usually taken with a grain of salt. 

     - There were estimated data from 15 states this week, including 

California, New York, and Texas, an unusually large number that could 

lead to a solid revision next week. The shorter reporting period due to 

the Monday holiday is likely to blame. 

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

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

1,750 to 237,750. The average could rise further next week as the 

236,000 level in December 2 week rolls out. 

     - Continuing claims rose by 7,000 to 1.943m in the December 16 

employment survey week, down 17,000 from the 1.960m level in the 

November 18 employment survey week, suggesting some improvement. 

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

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