Claims for jobless benefits declining

OKLAHOMA CITY – First-time jobless claims are still declining but continuing claims have been rising, according to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), which reports having paid more than $5 billion in unemployment benefits since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.

Federal Reserve sees a declining risk of recession

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve’s policymaking committee saw much less risk of recession at their meeting last month. The committee decided in December to keep interest rates steady after three straight cuts.