U.S. Jobless Claims Jump to Two-Month High, But Labor Market Remains Stable

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose by 18,000 last week, reaching a total of 241,000 — the highest level in two months, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite the increase, analysts say the job market remains historically strong and shows no signs of widespread layoffs.

Economists attributed the uptick to a mix of seasonal adjustments and economic caution, including uncertainty surrounding global trade and potential impacts of newly proposed tariffs. While the increase may raise eyebrows, the figures remain within what experts consider a normal range for a healthy economy.

The four-week moving average, often seen as a more stable indicator, also rose slightly to 233,000. Continued claims — the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance — rose by 4,000 to 1.84 million.

Labor market strength has been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy’s resilience, even as inflation pressures and interest rate concerns persist. The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring employment data as it weighs future monetary policy decisions.