The four-week average of people applying for state unemployment benefits fell to a two-year low. Last weeks estimate, which is considered less accurate, rose by 2,000 jobs, lower than was expected. The Federal Reserve still plans to buy $600 billion of government debt to try and stimulate the economy by further lowering interest rates. The number of people receiving unemployment benefits fell to 4.3 million. Benefits for around 800,000 people will expire at the end of November unless they are renewed, with 2 million people losing benefits by the end of December.
See "U.S. Jobless Claims Rise Slightly", The New York Times, November 17, 2010