Initial Claims
Returns initial unemployment claims (first-time filings for unemployment benefits) in thousands. This is a key weekly indicator of labor market health.
Data Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | Department of Labor / FRED |
| Frequency | Weekly (released Thursdays) |
| Unit | Thousands of claims |
| Seasonality | Seasonally adjusted |
Notes
- Lower claims generally indicate a healthier labor market
- One of the most timely economic indicators available
- Watch for trends rather than single week readings due to volatility
Syntax
=InitialCliams()Returns
number
Initial unemployment claims in thousands
Examples
Current initial claims in thousands
=InitialCliams()*1000=InitialCliams()/LaborForce()*100When to Use
- Tracking labor market health weekly
- Identifying recession signals
- Economic forecasting
- Analyzing employment trends
When NOT to Use
| Scenario | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| Need total employment | EmployeesNonfarm() |
| Need layoffs data | LayoffsDischarges() |
| Need labor force size | LaborForce() |
| Need hiring data | Hires() |
Common Issues & FAQ
What unit is the result in?
Thousands of claims.
When is this data released?
Weekly, every Thursday morning.
Why is the function name spelled "Cliams"?
This is the historical function name; it refers to unemployment claims.
Related Formulas
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