Definition
The number of people who filed for unemployment benefits for the first time in the past week.
The story
The jobs report comes once a month. Claims come every Thursday at 7:30 AM CT (Central Time). If a wave of layoffs hits, it shows up here weeks before it shows up anywhere else.
Why markets watch it
It's the most frequent read on layoffs.
Connects to
Last seen in
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms