Initial claims for the week ending February 4 increased by 13,000 to 196,000 (consensus 194,000). Continuing jobless claims for the week ending increased by 38,000 to 1.688 million.
Key takeaway is that claims remain below 200,000, which is indicative of a very tight labor market and a reluctance on the part of most companies to cut their workforce.
The 2-yr Treasury note yield climbed off an overnight low of 4.39% to 4.46%.
The 10-yr note yield is down six basis points to 3.59%.