Insights

Initial jobless claims show signs of bottoming out

REAL ECONOMY BLOG | May 26, 2022

Authored by RSM US LLP


New filings for jobless benefits last week inched down as a tight labor market kept layoffs below pre-pandemic levels.

There were 210,000 new filings for the week ending May 21, down 8,000 from the week before, according to Labor Department data released Thursday . The weekly average pre-pandemic in 2019 was 218,000.

The four-week moving average, however, increased despite last week’s drop, to 206,750, showing a continuing reversal of the short-term trend of the past month and a half.

Initial jobless claims

With financial conditions and economic activities slowing down, that suggests new jobless claims—a proxy for job layoffs—might have reached their bottom.

Our preferred measure for longer-term trends—the 13-week moving average—also showed a slight increase in new claims from 186,000 in the second half of April to 188,000 last week.

Both indicators pointed to a likely reversal of the weekly layoff gauge, though by how much remains to be seen. There is no shortage of recent reports of layoffs and hiring freezes from public companies like Lyft, Robinhood or Carvana.

Yet it is still early to link those reports—mostly related to tech companies—to middle market firms that make up the real economy.

On the macroeconomic level, with more interest rate increases coming in June and July, labor demand will take a hit, lessening labor market tightness. That will most likely give room for layoffs to pick up.

The takeaway

Despite the weekly fluctuations, initial jobless claims has served well as an early indicator for sharp turns in economic conditions, especially regarding the labor market. It will be important to watch these claims closely in the next month or two to look for an early sign of changes.

Let's Talk!

Call us at +1 213.873.1700, email us at solutions@vasquezcpa.com or fill out the form below and we'll contact you to discuss your specific situation.

  • Topic Name:
  • Should be Empty:

This article was written by Tuan Nguyen and originally appeared on 2022-05-26.
2022 RSM US LLP. All rights reserved.
https://realeconomy.rsmus.com/initial-jobless-claims-remain-below-pre-pandemic-level/

RSM US Alliance provides its members with access to resources of RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance member firms are separate and independent businesses and legal entities that are responsible for their own acts and omissions, and each is separate and independent from RSM US LLP. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax, and consulting firms. Members of RSM US Alliance have access to RSM International resources through RSM US LLP but are not member firms of RSM International. Visit rsmus.com/about us for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. The RSM logo is used under license by RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance products and services are proprietary to RSM US LLP.

​Vasquez & Company LLP is a proud member of the RSM US Alliance, a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms in the United States. RSM US Alliance provides our firm with access to resources of RSM US LLP, the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market. RSM US LLP is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 43,000 people in over 120 countries.

Our membership in RSM US Alliance has elevated our capabilities in the marketplace, helping to differentiate our firm from the competition while allowing us to maintain our independence and entrepreneurial culture. We have access to a valuable peer network of like-sized firms as well as a broad range of tools, expertise and technical resources.

For more information on how ​Vasquez & Company LLP can assist you, please call +1 213.873.1700.

Subscribe to receive important updates from our Insights and Resources.

  • Should be Empty: