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US weekly jobless claims increase more than expected
Initial jobless claims rose by 22,000 to 231,000 last week, driven by winter weather and ongoing layoffs from major employers, Labor Department data shows.
- On Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department said applications for jobless aid for the week ended January 31 rose by 22,000 to 231,000, exceeding forecasts of 212,000 by economists polled by Reuters and FactSet.
- Mounting layoffs, tariffs, and AI uncertainty have weighed on hiring as businesses and government agencies posted 7.4 million open jobs, down from 7.4 million in October.
- The Labor Department's four-week average showed claims rose 6,000 to 212,000, while 1.844 million received benefits after an initial week during the week ended January 24.
- The January jobs report was delayed due to a partial government shutdown, and the unemployment rate is forecast at 4.4%, which could prompt the Federal Reserve to keep rates steady near 3.50%-3.75%.
- After weak annual gains in 2025, economists project nonfarm payrolls could rise about 70,000 this year, with tax cuts as a potential driver of 2026 hiring.
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US unemployment claims surge to 231,000 amid severe winter weather, cold conditions
US unemployment benefit applications increased unexpectedly last week amid severe winter weather, with initial jobless claims rising by 22,000 to 231,000, according to Labour Department data, exceeding economists' forecasts.
·New Delhi, India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources56
Leaning Left5Leaning Right8Center33Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
11%
C 72%
R 17%
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