Stocks for Improving Jobs Market

The weekly jobless claims number was out this morning and it came in better than expected once again. The number rose slightly to 336k from 334k last week, but was below the 340k expectation.

The 4-week moving average fell to 339,750, a decline of 7,500 from last week and it is now at the lowest level since February 2008.

This chart shows the a long-term snapshot of the weekly jobless claims.

As the numbers continue to improve it bodes well for the companies that will be involved in placing workers both temporary and permanent.

Here are a few to watch:

• Robert Half International ($RHI) - A staffing and risk management firm that offers both part-time, temporary, and full-time employees in a range of industries.
• Barrett Business Services ($BBSI) - Offer human resource outsourcing and professional management consulting along with staffing and recruiting services.
• Kelly Services ($KELYA) - Offers staffing services for various industries worldwide. The company offers trained employees in everything from word processing to maintenance workers to accountants.
• Team Health Holdings ($TMH) - Provides outsourced healthcare professional staffing and administrative services to hospitals and other healthcare providers.