The weekly jobless claims numbers are a proxy for layoffs, and those have remained below pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate is at a modest 4.2%, though that is up from a half century low 3.4% reached in 2023.

May 22, 2025 · Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 227,000 for the week ended May 17. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 230,000 claims for the latest...

The four-week average of jobless claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week gyrations during more volatile stretches, rose by 4,500 to 235,000, the most since late October. The total number of Americans receiving unemployment benefits for the week of May 24 inched down by 3,000 to 1.9 million.

3 days ago · Weekly jobless claims increase 8,000 to 247,000; Continuing claims fall 3,000 to 1.904 million; Trade deficit shrinks by a record 55.5% to $61.6 billion

2 days ago · The four-week average of jobless claims, which evens out some of the week-to-week gyrations during more volatile stretches, rose by 4,500 to 235,000, the most since late October.

2 days ago · How college grads can stand out in a crowded job market 04:12. Initial claims for U.S. unemployment benefits last week rose to their highest level in eight months, a sign the labor market might be ...

2 days ago · Applications for US unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week to the highest since October, adding to signs that the job market is cooling. Initial claims increased by 8,000 to 247,000 in ...

Nov 27, 2024 · The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell again last week, but many laid-off workers are experiencing long bouts of joblessness, keeping the door open to...

Mar 6, 2025 · Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 21,000 to a seasonally adjusted 221,000 for the week ended March 1, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 235,000 claims for the latest week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. applications for jobless benefits fell again last week as the labor market continues to hold up despite fears of a tariff-induced recession. Jobless claim applications fell by 9,000 to 215,000 for the week ending April 12, the Labor Department said Thursday.