The Labor Department has two key readings out this Thursday — the Consumer Price Index and Weekly Jobless Claims.
Headline inflation, the CPI, is mostly in-line with expectations for the month of December. The headline CPI was up by 0.3%, while the core reading that is ex-food and energy was up by only 0.1%. Both numbers met the Bloomberg consensus estimates from its pool of economists.
Weekly jobless claims came in at 327,000 for the past week, down from last week’s revised figure of 328,000 (versus 330,000 shown without a revision). Bloomberg had the consensus estimate at 326,000.
Some 1.35 million people received special extended benefits during the final week of December. The continuing jobless claims, the army of the unemployed (reported with a one-week lag), rose by 174,000 to 3.03 million.
All in all, these reports were mostly in-line with expectations. Stock futures are lower: -3.75 on the S&P 500 and -33 on the Down Jones Industrial Average, likely just on profit taking.
Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
