The U.S. Department of Labor reported that 228,000 new jobless claims were filed last week (July 9-15).
This was a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week, defying the expectations of analysts who had predicted an increase of 3,000.
Initial jobless claims also fell the previous week, defying market expectations for an increase.
These results are seen as indicative of the strength of the US labor market.
This is because it suggests that companies are largely refraining from layoffs despite the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening policy and recession fears.
However, U.S. media outlets have noted that the statistics are 카지노사이트킴 volatile during and immediately after the U.S. Independence Day holiday, as unemployed workers often claim benefits late.
The number of “continuing” claims – those who have been seeking unemployment benefits for at least two weeks – rose 33,000 to 1.75 million. Continuing claims are counted as of two weeks ago.