JOBLESS CLAIMS – AT 9:01 A.M. ET:  Jobless claim figures are slightly better than last week's, but still not good.  There are no bragging rights here.  From Bloomberg, which gives everything a liberal spin:

Fewer Americans than forecast filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance last week, an indication demand is strong enough to maintain current staff levels.

Applications for jobless benefits fell 9,000 to 363,000 in the week ended Oct. 27, the fewest in three weeks, the Labor Department reported today in Washington. Economists forecast 370,000 claims, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey. Data for New Jersey and the District of Columbia were estimated because those offices were closed due to Hurricane Sandy, a spokesman said as the figures were released.

COMMENT:  The big number, on job creation, comes out tomorrow, the final economic report before the election.  I don't get the feeling that any of these numbers make much difference at this stage.  People see what they see around them – a weak economy, with a pessimistic population.  With presidential approval numbers running generally below 50%, the people are ready for a change.  The only question is whether they believe Romney is the man to bring it.

November 1, 2012