Photo: ANP
The number of jobless claims in the US fell for the fifth time in a row last week. More and more Americans are finding work, despite global economic challenges that the United States also faces. Also remarkable is that retail sales volume rose last month, after falling in July.
Last week, the number of first-time benefit claims fell to about 213,000. So, the average over a four-week period is about 224,000. This is the lowest number since June of this year. The demand for employees is also high in the United States. Employers are trying to fill millions of vacancies.
However, according to the Federal Reserve, this trend may change. To deal with high inflation, the US central bank is raising interest rates, which may change the demand for workers. At the same time, the new data is likely to bolster the central bank’s umbrella belief that the economy is strong enough to handle rising interest rates.
In addition, the US Commerce Department reported that retail sales increased about 0.3 percent last month compared to the previous month. When gasoline sales are not factored into the numbers, there is an increase of 0.8 percent. Supermarket sales grew, among other things. Americans also spent more money in restaurants and bars. On the other hand, sales of furniture and sanitary products, among others, fell last month, as did gasoline sales.
