The Labor Department reported that <strong>initial jobless claims </strong>climbed last week possibly as a result of volatility due to spring break at many schools. The number continues to reflect an exceptionally strong labor market. Claims in regular state programs increased 19,000 to 200,000 for the week ending April 30th, after reporting 181,000 initial claims the prior week. The four-week moving average rose to 188,000 from 180,000 the prior week. The total number of people continuing to receive regular ongoing state benefits, a report which is lagged one week, decreased 19,000 to 1.384 million for the week ending April 23rd.

The Labor Department reported that <strong>initial jobless claims </strong>dropped to its lowest level since 1969. The incentive to go back to work is high as the cost of living soars, savings rates fall and stimulus payments dry up. The aggregate demand continues to be significantly above aggregate supply which reflects the difficulty for employers to attract skilled workers. Claims in regular state programs decreased 28,000 to 187,000 for the week ending March 19th, after reporting 215,000 initial claims the prior week. The four-week moving average fell to 211,750 from 223,250 the prior week. The total number of people continuing to receive regular ongoing state benefits, a report which is lagged one week, declined 67,000 to 1.350 million for the week ending March 12th, the lowest level since February of 1970.

Share Plc has been acquired by Interactive Investor. Stephens is acting as the exclusive financial adviser to Share Plc on the public offer from Interactive Investor Limited. | £61.9 Million | 02/17/2020

Hoyte Dodge Has Been Acquired By Ed Morse Automotive Group. Stephens Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Hoyte Dodge.

APE Companies has merged with Marco Group International. Stephens Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to APE in the transaction.

Goldman Equipment, LLC Has Received A Strategic Investment. Stephens Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to Goldman.

Tidewater Credit Services Has Been Acquired By Genesis Credit. Stephens Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor to Tidewater Finance Company in the transaction.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. Prices Secondary Offering. Stephens served as Co-Manager on the offering. | $527 Million | 06/03/2020

Glaukos Corp Prices Convertible Senior Notes Offering. Stephens served as Co-Manager on the offering. | $250 Million | 06/08/2020