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U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to 224,000 in Signs of Steady Labor Market

Continuing claims have risen, suggesting slower rehiring.

An employee hiring sign with a QR code is seen in a window of a business in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., April 7, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz
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Overview

  • Initial claims decreased by 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 224,000 for the week ended Dec. 13, matching the latest official data.
  • The four-week average edged up to 217,500, underscoring lingering holiday-related volatility in weekly readings.
  • Continuing claims increased by 67,000 to 1.897 million for the week ended Dec. 6, a proxy for tougher job finding.
  • Nonfarm payrolls rose by 64,000 in November, while the 4.6% unemployment rate was affected by distortions from a prolonged government shutdown.
  • Businesses report caution tied to tariffs and earlier high borrowing costs, and the Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points while signaling a pause.