US EditionThe number of Americans filing for jobless benefits last week hits 263,000, most in nearly 4 years
The surge to 263,000 claims reflects a sharp slowdown in hiring and increased layoffs, with the four-week average rising to 240,500, the highest since June, Labor Department data show.
- The Labor Department announced that jobless claims increased by 27,000 to 263,000 for the week ending September 6, marking the highest level recorded since October 2021.
- This increase followed broader economic weakening in 2025, including slower job growth and uncertainty from tariffs that prompted companies to reduce expansion plans.
- Data indicated that the four-week average of jobless claims increased by 9,750, reaching 240,500, while job creation in August totaled just 22,000 positions, significantly missing economists' expectations.
- Economist Carl Weinberg said markets will see the uptick as a 'pop in layoffs,' while Andrew Stettner called this one of the clearest signs of a downshift in job growth.
- The increase in unemployment claims and softer labor market conditions suggest the Federal Reserve may reduce interest rates in the near future to help support the economy.
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Weak labour market: more than 263,000 people asked for unemployment assistance in the US in the first week of September, marking the highest level in four years
Jobless claims hit highest level in years
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Jobless claims rose by 27,000 to 263,000, the highest in nearly four years. Analysts say the spike virtually assures a Fed rate cut next week. BLS revisions showed 911,000 fewer jobs created than first reported. Economists warn tariffs and uncertainty are weighing on U.S. growth. In another grim sign for the U.S. labor market, jobless claim applications jumped to their highest level in almost four years last week, virtually …
US Weekly Jobless Claims Climb to Highest Level Since October 2021
The number of Americans newly filing applications for unemployment benefits climbed to the highest level in four years last week, new Department of Labor data released on Sept. 11 show. For the week ending Sept. 6, initial jobless claims rose by 27,000 to 263,000—marking the highest level since October 2021 and surpassing the consensus estimate of 235,000. The four-week moving average, which smooths out weekly noise, also increased to 240,500 fr…
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