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

By Sara Haire and Holly Stokes

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

unemployment insurance claims data for the January 13 week released by 

the Labor Department Thursday: 

     - The claims data saw an unexpected 41,000 drop to 220,000, far 

below the 250,000 expected. This was the lowest level seen since 

February 24, 1973.  

     - Continuing claims, however, rose by 76,000 to 1.952m in the 

January 6 week, this follows the volatile holiday season. 

     - Unadjusted claims fell, suggesting businesses finished laying off 

temporary staff. Unadjusted claims saw a 43,599 decline to 360,020 in 

the January 13 week. This level is higher than the 352,799 level seen in 

the prior week a year ago. 

     - To avoid being deceived by the volatility, it is better to watch 

the four-week moving average. The average saw a 6,250 decline to 

244,500. The average could fall further next week if we continue to see 

low jobless claims and as the 247,000 level in December 23 week rolls 

out. 

     - Labor said that claims procedures are still disrupted in the 

Virgin Islands. Arkansas, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, 

Puerto Rico, Virginia, and Wyoming all all had estimates for their 

data, perhaps indicating a significant revision next week. 

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

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