Watch for volatility. Initial Jobless Claims, released by the US Department of Labor, is a measure of the number of people filing for unemployment insurance for the first time in their state. In other words, it is a measure of the strength of the labor market. A higher-than-expected number signals weakness in this market, which will affect the strength and direction of the US economy. Generally, a falling number is seen as a positive or bullish signal for the US dollar. As the US dollar strengthens, commodities may fall in price, in the short term, until the market stabilizes. Cryptocurrencies may be no exception.