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Jobless Claims Flat

Wall Street Journal (06/21/12) Josh Mitchell; Andrew Ackerman

The number of Americans who filed requests for jobless benefits fell by 2,000 last week to 387,000, the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. Claims from two weeks ago were revised up to 389,000 from 386,000. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast 385,000 new jobless claims would be filed last week. The average of new claims over the past four weeks, meanwhile, climbed 3,500 to 386,250, marking the highest level in almost seven months.

Fed Warns of Risk to Economy

Wall Street Journal (06/21/12) Kristina Peterson; Jon Hilsenrath

The U.S. Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it would extend through the end of the year a program known as “Operation Twist,” which aims to drive down long-term interest rates and reduce borrowing costs for businesses and households. Fed officials said they are ready to do more if necessary to spur job growth. “I wouldn’t accept the proposition though that the Fed has no more ammunition,” said Ben Bernanke, chairman of the central bank, adding that “if we don’t see continued improvement in the labor market we’ll be prepared to take additional steps.”

The first-stage, $400 billion Operation Twist program had been scheduled to end this month. By extending it by six months, the Fed will be purchasing an additional $267 billion in Treasury bonds and notes with maturities ranging from six to 30 years, and selling an equivalent amount of securities with maturities of three years and less. The net effect, the Fed hopes, is to ease the burden of past debts for households and businesses and make them more willing to take risks such as hiring or investing today.

Order Now: New ASA Tool Kit Makes Certification Study Engaging

If you prefer interactive learning strategies, the new ASA Certification Prep & Practice Tool Kit is just what you need. Staffing professionals who are preparing for the ASA Certified Staffing Professional™ or Technical Services Certified™ exam now have access to this engaging, multimedia learning resource—designed to complement the materials that are included in the current certification exam package.

The ASA Certification Prep & Practice Tool Kit features four modules with corresponding recordings and instructional slides that cover the main areas of the certification exams. Learn more about the new tool kit and listen to sample recordings at americanstaffing.net, where you can also purchase this interactive resource for individual or group study.

Being an ASA member means you get a deep discount on the tool kit as well as many other valuable professional development materials. Join ASA today and starting reaping your membership benefits, including FREE ASAPro Webinars.

Join ASA Today and Save Up to 50%

ASA is your industry’s voice and advocate. Activate your membership today and save up to 50%. Plus, you will receive the full version of Staffing Today, discounts on Staffing World 2012 registrations, and much more. Questions? Contact Kim Potter at 703-253-2051.