Overview

• Initial jobless claims for the week ending April 12 decreased by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 215,000, undershooting economists' forecast of 225,000.
• Continuing claims, a measure of ongoing unemployment, increased by 41,000 to 1.885 million for the week ending April 5, indicating cautious hiring trends.
• The labor market remains resilient despite business hesitancy stemming from tariff-related uncertainty and shifting trade policies under President Trump.
• Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that economic uncertainty could slow progress toward employment and price stability goals throughout 2025.
• March saw strong job growth with 228,000 jobs added, but the unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, reflecting a slightly looser labor market.