Last week’s first time claims for unemployment insurance came in at 289,000, the second lowest reading since May 2000. Importantly, the claims numbers from three weeks ago, which came in at 279,000, were the absolute lowest since May 2000 (yes, 14 years ago). The less volatile 4-week moving average now stands at 293,500, the lowest level since February 2006. The number of layoffs has completely returned to pre-recession levels!