US DATA: Initial jobless claims -3k to 420k in Dec 11 wk, in line
with expectations. The Labor Dept analyst said seasonal factors expected
a 16.3% decline, or about 95,000, in unadjusted claims. Actual NSA
claims -16.9%, or -99,225, to 486,284. Lbr analyst says undj claims will
keep building up and should peak in 2nd week of January. With the
decrease in Dec 11 wk adj claims, the 4-wk moving avg -5,250 to 422,750,
continuing its downward trend. Cont. claims +22k to 4.135 mln in Dec. 4
wk. Insured unemp rate 3.3%, low since Dec. 13, 2008 wk.