At least at the AP:
Jobless Claims Fall, Wholesale Prices Moderated
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 1, 2004
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Fewer people filed new applications to collect unemployment benefits last week, a hopeful sign that companies may be feeling less inclined to cut their already lean work forces.The Labor Department reported Thursday that for the week ending March 27, new jobless claims filings declined by a seasonally adjusted 3,000 to 342,000, the lowest level in two weeks.
Of course, last week, the Labor Department reported that 339K claims were filed. Which means if we're comparing apples (original reports) with apples and not with oranges (revised numbers), then jobless claims actually increased by 3,000.
But obviously that concept is too difficult for AP's reporting staff.
Posted by MB Williams at April 1, 2004 09:05 AM | TrackBackI think they're allowed to "seasonally adjust". What gets me is that they think people are going to get all excited by "the lowest level in two weeks"!! In other words, two weeks ago it was better than it is now.
Look! This grain of sand I found on the beach is white! Maybe they're ALL white! :)
Posted by: That Tall Guy at April 1, 2004 10:56 AM