US initial jobless claims Dec 9
  • Prior was 222K
  • Four-week average at 218.75K from 240K
  • Continuing claims 1.992m vs 1.900m expected
  • Prior continuing claims 1.954m

Two weeks ago, the 194K reading was the lowest since 1969 and now we've beaten it.

Here's what Goldman Sachs says:

"The decline in initial claims appears to be explained by seasonal factors overstating pre-holiday layoffs, as initial claims rose by 64k to 281k on an NSA basis, their highest level since October."