The Labor Department reports that new applications for unemployment benefits last week fell by 10,000 to 265,000. Eonomists expected a seasonally adjusted 270,000. Continuing claims rose by 63,000 to 2.1 million in the week ended December 17. Initial claims have been under 300,000 for 95 straight weeks.
Marketwatch reports President-elect Trump is considering changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs that would allow some veterans to bypass the VAsystem completely and get care exclusively from private-sector hospitals and clinics. It would give veterans full choice over their health care. Many veterans groups argue that it would be the first step toward privatization and would reduce the quality of health care over the long term.
Freddie Mac reports mortgage rates moved up. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.32% this week, up from last week’s 4.30%. A year ago it averaged 4.01%. The 15-year fixed was 3.55% up from 3.52%. A year ago it was 3.24%.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
