The recession is coming closer
Labor market trends as reported by the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch (November 6, 2008):
- The number of U.S. residents collecting state unemployment benefits reached the highest level in 25 years, rising by 122,000 to a seasonally adjusted 3.84 million in the week ending Oct. 25.
- The economy has lost jobs for nine consecutive months. So far in 2008, nonfarm payrolls have fallen by 760,000 to 137.3 million.
- Real hourly compensation fell 1.9% in the quarter and is down 0.9% in the past year, marking the largest annual decline in 13 years.
Keep checking Recession Watch for the latest.
