Social Security Total Spike in January

1/29/2010 Total Social Security retirees for January increase compared to December. This is the second highest January change on record. The January 2010 spike was bigger probably because of the big 2009 COLA increase. This year there was no COLA change. This year's January spike probably reflects 1) continued high unemployment and 2) demographic shift (Baby Boomers retiring).

Real Weekly Earnings

1/15/2010 y/y change in weekly Real average earnings continue to slide deeper into negative territory. One reason would be the massive spike in gasoline prices in December.

Biggest Spike Ever

1/9/2010 The total number of Social Security retirees spiked big time in 2009. Probably a big reason why so many people stopped looking for a job last year. Demographics, a high unemployment rate and last year's big increase in the Cost of Living allowance explains the spike.