Last weeks claims #: 218,000
4-Week Average of Claims: 223,750
Prior Weeks 4-Week Average: 224,750
13-Week Average of Claims: 222,769
Prior Weeks 13-Week Average: 223,385
Comments: Weekly claims came in lower at 218,000 on Thursday. That number forced the 4-and 13-week averages of claims lower for a second straight week. For the 4-week avg to rise next week, we would need to see the weekly number come in above 234,000.