MNI DATA IMPACT: US Jobless Claims Fall 9,000 In March 16 Wk>

--Initial Claims 4-Week Moving Average +1k To 225k

--Continuing Claims -27k To 1.750m In Mar 9 Week  

By Harrison Clarke and Shikha Dave

     WASHINGTON (MNI) - The level of initial claims fell by 9,000 to 

221,000 in the March 16 week, below expectations for a 225,000 reading 

by an MNI survey and the Bloomberg consensus. 

     Here are some of the key factors from the data release on Thursday: 

     - The level of initial claims fell by 9k to 221k in the March 16 

employment survey week, above the 217,000 level in the February 16 

survey week, signaling the possibility of a slightly weaker March 

employment report. Seasonal factors expected a decrease 3.6%, or 7,584 

in unadjusted claims. However, unadjusted claims actually fell by 7.3%, 

or 15,264.  

     - The four-week moving average for claims rose by 1,000 to 225,000 

in the March 16 week after a decline of 2,250 in the previous week. If 

the headline holds steady next week, the average would fall by 1,250 to 

223,750 as a 226,000 level in the February 23 week rolls out. 

     - Unadjusted claims fell by 15,264, led by a 3,500 decline in 

Illinois. 

     - Continuing claims fell by 27,000 to 1.750 million in the March 9 

week, with the four-week moving average rising to 1.773 million. The 

insured unemployment rate remained at 1.2%, and was down from 1.3% one 

year ago, showing that the level of insured unemployed remains 

particularly low. 

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

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