For December 2015 there were 785,900 people claiming unemployment related benefits. This was: 4,300 fewer than for November 2015 and 95,400 fewer than for a year earlier but, the lowest since March 2008. Increase by 4,100 was expected.
The unemployment rate for those aged 16 and over for September to November 2015 was 5.1%. This was: down from 5.4% for June to August 2015 and down from 5.8% for a year earlier but slightly lower than the pre-downturn trough of 5.2% for late 2007 to early 2008. Also, unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in November down from October's 5.2%.
Sterling is currently being traded around 1.4170 handle. Pair is likely to find support around 1.41 handle and resistance above 1.4230 level. Later today, in the US session, CPI,
Building Permits and
Housing Starts figures are scheduled for a release.