Benefit rolls also down: The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits dropped last week, and the number of people remaining on the rolls also fell, evidence that layoffs have eased. Still, both figures remain above levels associated with a healthy economy, and analysts expect the unemployment rate to keep rising. The Labor Department says that first-time unemployment claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 570,000, down from an upwardly revised figure of 580,000 the previous week. Analysts expected a slightly larger drop to 565,000, according to Thomson Reuters. The tally of those continuing to claim benefits dropped to 6.13 million from 6.25 million in the previous week, the lowest level since early April. The figures on continuing claims lag initial claims by a week.
Phrases to avoid: A survey of executives with some of America’s biggest companies found that words and phrases such as “it is what it is” and “game changer” are among the most overused and annoying buzzwords today. The Accountemps report cautioned that people have stopped paying attention to these words and companies need to use clear and straightforward language. Other phrases to make the list include: “cutting edge,” “viral,” “disconnect” and “reach out.”
