US initial jobless claims rose to 248k, above expectation

    US initial jobless claims rose 23k to 248k in the week ending February 12, above expectation of 219k. Four-week moving average of initial claims dropped -11k to 243k.

    Continuing claims dropped -25k to 1593k in the week ending February 5. Four-week moving average of continuing claims dropped -8k to 1626k.

    Full release here.