Gold Remains Softer After U.S. Jobless Claims Dip 1,000 To 214,000
Editor's Note: Updating earlier story with more details from report.
(Kitco News) -Gold remained modestly softer after Labor Department data Thursday showed thatinitial weekly U.S. jobless claims fell by 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted214,000 in the week to Saturday.
Consensusexpectations compiled by various news organizations had called for initialclaims to be around 210,000 to 213,000. The government revised the prior week'stally to 215,000 from the previously reported 214,000.
As of 8:36 a.m. EDT, spot gold wastrading down by $3.50 for the day to $1,222.60 an ounce. Two minutes ahead ofreports on jobless claims and orders for durable goods, the metal was at $1,225.30.
Meanwhile,the four-week moving average for new claims - often viewed as a more reliablemeasure of the labor market since it smoothens out week-to-week volatility -was down by 250 claims to 213,750.
Continuingjobless claims, the number of people already receiving benefits and reportedwith a one-week delay, decreased by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1,623,000 duringthe week ending Oct. 27, the government said.
Tradersmonitor jobs data closely to gauge how aggressively the U.S. Federal OpenMarket Committee alters monetary policy.
By Allen SykoraFor Kitco News
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asykora@kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.