Initial Jobless Claims

Initial Jobless Claims tracks the first time filers for state unemployment.  If there are a large number of unemployed, then job growth may be stunted.  When the number of filers for state unemployment is few, there may be increasing in wage based inflation because the pool of potential hires is small and may demand increased salaries.  The bond market hates inflation.  Bad news for the economy = Good news for Mortgage Backed Securities = Good Rates.  The number is seasonal though and best measured over a 4 week average.  Initial Jobless Claims are reported every Thursday at 7:30 [central].  The Initial Jobless Claims Report is a MODEST market mover.