National Statistics (latest release)
Measures Percentage of total work force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment during the past 3 months;
Usual Effect Actual < Forecast = Good for currency;
Frequency Released monthly, about 45 days after the month ends;
Why Traders Care Although it’s generally viewed as a lagging indicator, the number of unemployed people is an important signal of overall economic health because consumer spending is highly correlated with labour-market conditions;
Also Called ILO Unemployment Rate, Jobless Rate;