Four-Week Moving Average for Unemployment Hits 44-Year Low

Washington, DC, May 25, 2017-In the week ending May 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 234,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level, according to the Department of Labor.

The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 232,000 to 233,000.

The four-week moving average was 235,250, a decrease of 5,750 from the previous week's revised average, the lowest level for this average since April 14, 1973 when it was 232,750. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 240,750 to 241,000.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.4% for the week ending May 13, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending May 13 was 1,923,000, an increase of 24,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up 1,000 from 1,898,000 to 1,899,000. The four-week moving average was 1,930,250, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since January 19, 1974 when it was 1,920,750. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 1,946,000 to 1,946,250.