Initial Claims Inch Lower

March 7, 2002 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The number of the newly unemployed applying for unemployment benefits dipped last week, according to new data from the Department of Labor.

First time jobless claims totaled 376,00 in the week ending March 2, 5,000 lower than the previous week’s total of 381,000.

Claims peaked last year on September 29 at 535,000, and have remained below 400,000 so far this year.

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The four-week moving average, a more reliable indicator of the unemployment situation because it smoothes out weekly volatility followed suit, dipping by 1,250 to 372,750, the lowest level since August last year.

Fidelity Expands Stock Option Offering

June 14, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Fidelity Investments has expanded its stock option offerings to include full plan administration for plan sponsors seeking help managing their employee stock option plan.

The new stock option-related services help make options processing easier for employees and include, among others:

  • online educational content and exercises for employees,
  • automated record keeping, and
  • reporting

A key component of Fidelity’s new services are educational resources designed specifically for employees who are participating in a stock option plan. For example, Fidelity provides:

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  • an online resource center and printed materials educate employees to make informed decisions regarding their stock options,
  • convenient online tools that allow employees to view and track grants, model their choices to see potential tax implications and exercise their stock options,
  • a companion Fidelity Account for proceeds from their transactions, and
  • access to Fidelity.com and other company informational tools and resources, including employee seminars.


Later this year, Fidelity plans to launch further employee stock purchase plan capabilities and introduce further enhancements such as personalized Web views and wireless-related capabilities.

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