<p>The Labor Department on Thursday released more good news about the economy: fewer Americans are filing for unemployment benefits. ;</p>
<p>Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 7,000 last week to reach a seasonally adjusted figure of 222,000 &#8211; marking a near 45-year low. ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Claims for six states were estimated because of Monday&rsquo;s Presidents Day holiday,&rdquo; notes CNBC. &ldquo;Still, the underlying trend in claims suggested job growth in February, which should continue to underpin the economy.&rdquo; ;</p>
<p>The four-week moving average, ;which is generally a more accurate indicator of labor market trends, fell to 226,000 last week. ;</p>
<p>Last week was also the 155th straight week claims remained below 300,000 &#8211; a ;threshold often associated with a strong labor market. ;</p>
<p>The decreasing number of claims is a trend continuing from January, when claims dropped to 216,000 &#8211; the lowest since January of 1973. Last month also saw a 1% increase in the Leading Economic Index (LEI) and a payroll increase of 200,000 jobs. ;</p>
<p>Unemployment is at 4.1%, a 17-year-low that is driving wage growth and pushing inflation towards the Feds&rsquo; goal of 2%.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Strong employment gains in February would seal the case for an interest rate increase next month,&rdquo; reports CNBC. &ldquo;The Fed has forecast three rate increases this year,&rdquo; but some economists expect to see four.</p>
<p><strong>Editor&#8217;s note</strong>: Despite the market correction over the last couple of weeks, all signs point to a robust economy for the foreseeable future. Businesses are optimistic, they see a predictable future.</p>