US - Where are the jobs???

Indicator that the labour market will take time to improve after applications to begin receiving unemployment benefits in the U.S. increases more than forecast last week.

Unemployment claims increased to 436,000, a jump by 26,000 in the week ended Nov. 27, Labour Department figures showed today in Washington. The less-volatile four week moving average fell to the lowest level since August 2008. The total number of people receiving unemployment insurance has increased and those on extended payments also jumped.

After slowing the pace in November, companies may be on the cusp of ramping up the hiring necessary to further uplift consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the economy. A Labour Department report tomorrow may show employers added 145,000 workers last month and the unemployment rate held at 9.6 percent.