Category: jobless claims

US Unemployment Claims Fell Last Week to 53-year Low

Filings for initial unemployment claims in the United States, dropped 5,000 for the first-time last week, for a seasonally adjusted total of 166,000, the lowest level since 1968, according to a report from the Labor Department on April 7. The previous week’s report was revised down from 202,000 to 171,000 claims for the week ending…


Jobless Claims Jump to Higher-Than-Expected 248,000

New weekly filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—have reversed three consecutive weeks of declines and notched higher than analysts predicted, though jobless claims are still generally running at near pre-pandemic levels, suggesting the labor market recovery remains intact. First-time filings for unemployment insurance rose by 23,000 to 248,000 for the week ending Feb. 12,…


Unemployment Claims Drop for 3rd Straight Week, Pointing to More Labor Market Tightening

The number of American workers filing weekly jobless claims—a proxy for layoffs—have declined for the third straight week, pointing to further firming of an already tight labor market. First-time filings for unemployment insurance came in at 223,000 for the week ending Feb. 5, down 16,000 from the prior week’s revised level of 239,000, the Labor…


Jobless Claims Rise to Highest Level in Three Months

Claims for state unemployment have risen to their highest levels in three months, according to new data (pdf) from the Labor Department. Weekly claims for the week ending Jan. 15 rose by 55,000 to a total of 286,000, constituting the highest rate since last October. A seasonal spike in unemployment claims in January is consistent with…


Weekly Unemployment Claims Jump In Possible Sign of Omicron Hit to Jobs Recovery

The number of American workers filing weekly jobless claims—a proxy for layoffs—rose by 23,000 from the prior week in what could be a sign of an impact from the Omicron surge, though the number of people continuing to claim benefits hit a multi-decade low, suggesting further labor market tightening. First-time filings for unemployment insurance came…


Weekly Jobless Claims Drop Below Pre-Pandemic Levels in Sign of Continued Labor Market Tightness

The number of weekly jobless filings—a proxy for layoffs—dropped by 8,000 from the prior week to below pre-pandemic levels, delivering a fresh sign of continued tightening in the U.S. jobs market. First-time filings for unemployment insurance fell to 198,000 for the week ending Dec. 25, the Labor Department said in a report (pdf). The four-week…


Another 205,000 American Workers File For Unemployment

Another 205,000 American workers filed for unemployment benefits last week, matching the prior week’s jobless claims number and roughly in line with pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that the recent rise in COVID-19 infections was not driving a fresh wave of layoffs. First-time filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—held steady during the week ending Dec. 18…


US Weekly Jobless Claims Drop to 52-Year Low

The number of workers applying for unemployment benefits in the United States dropped sharply last week to a level not seen in 52 years, adding to signs of a tightening labor market and suggesting businesses were reluctant to let go of workers. First-time filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—came in at 184,000 for the week…


Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Again After Touching 52-Year Low

The number of workers applying for unemployment benefits in the United States rose last week after hitting a level not seen in over 50 years the week prior, with analysts generally expecting the rebound, in part due to seasonal data adjustments. First-time filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—came in at 222,000 for the week ending…


Weekly Jobless Claims Plunge to Level Not Seen Since 1969

The number of workers applying for unemployment benefits in the United States dropped sharply last week to a level not seen in over 50 years, suggesting businesses were holding on to employees amid a tight labor market. First-time filings for unemployment insurance—a proxy for layoffs—came in at 199,000 for the week ending Nov. 19, the Labor…