This is another sign that the economy is not in shambles as some would like you to think. Things obviously aren't ideal for many people, but the general economy is still in fairly decent shape and why I believe we'll avoid an official recession. Figures provided by the government aren't the most "honest" numbers for sure, but I feel it's still good to watch and follow. This article reviews the new report.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- New filings for unemployment claims fell more than expected in the latest week, according to a government report released Thursday.

Initial filings for state jobless benefits fell by 18,000 to 365,000 in the week ended May 3, the Labor Department said.

The consensus estimate of economists surveyed by Briefing.com was a drop to 375,000.

The four-week moving average for initial claims rose to 367,000, an increase of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average of 364,500.

Personally I believe the 1Q will show some relatively good economic growth. To me it seems that some areas of the economy have been stabilizing slightly for the short-term, question is how the general economy will handle higher fuel prices and the larger deficits in Washington that are sure to come this year. Like I said, an official recession doesn't seem likely. But that certainly doesn't mean that I support the current policies and actions by the government trying to "solve" problems that it largely helped create.