[Citi: December Nonfarm Payrolls Expected to Increase by 75,000, Unemployment Rate to Rise to 4.7%] BlockBeats News, December 31, Citi economists stated that the decline in unemployment claims before and after the holidays should be viewed with caution. During the week of Christmas, the number of unemployment claims dropped from 215,000 to 199,000, while forecasters had expected 220,000. Citi noted: 'The seasonal adjustment issues during this year's holiday weeks seem to be much more severe than in the past, and more reliable initial unemployment claims data signals may not emerge until late January.' However, the data shows that layoffs remain at low levels. Citi expects December nonfarm payrolls to increase by 75,000, with the data set to be released next week. Citi also stated: 'However, we still expect the unemployment rate to rise to 4.7%, partly due to a renewed increase in labor force participation.' (Jin10)