The Labor Department reports new applications for unemployment benefits rose by 17,000 to 268,000 last week. Economists expected 250,000. But two weeks ago initial claims touched a 43-year low. Continuing claims rose by 38,000 to 2.08 million the week ended November 19.
Just 3% of Americans say they follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, according to data from the Pew Research Center. The rest of us eat meat. Last year, per capita meat consumption in the U.S. increased at the fastest rate in four decades, climbing 5% compared with 2014, according to data from research firm Rabobank. The average American now eats about 193 pounds of beef, pork, or chicken a year. That’s more than 3.7 pounds a week, up from 184 pounds in 2012.
Freddie Mac reports mortgage rates are still climbing. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.08% this week, up from last week’s 4.03%. A year ago it averaged 3.93%. The 15-year fixed this week averaged 3.34%, up from 3.25%. A year ago it was 3.16%.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
