MNI: Key Points In Oct 14 Wk Initial Unemployment Claims Data>

By Sara Haire and Holly Stokes

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

September new residential construction data released Thursday by the 

BLS: 

     - Initial unemployment claims saw a decrease of 22,000 to 222,000 

in the October 14 week, far below the 240,000 expected and the lowest 

level of initial claims since March 31, 1973. 

     -The October 7 week was revised up by 1,000 to 244,000. 

     - Puerto Rico saw an increase of 1,570 initial claims, while 

Florida saw a decline of 2,773 and Texas saw a decline of 1,804. 

     - The four-week moving average saw a decline of 9,500 to 248,250, 

this should continue to trend downwards as the hurricanes' effects 

continue to be phased out. 

     - The number of continuing claims for the October 7 week was at 

1.888m, down 16k from the 1.904m rate on September 30. 

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

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