US Weekly Jobless Claims Rise to Two-Month High

Unemployment claims increased by 17,000 to 242,000 last week, signaling potential softening in the labor market during a period of volatility.

The Department of Labor reported 242,000 new unemployment claims for the week ending December 7, the highest since October and above economists' forecast of 220,000.
Continuing claims, representing individuals still collecting unemployment benefits, rose by 15,000 to 1.89 million for the week ending November 30.
Economists caution that holiday season volatility can impact weekly data, making it essential to assess longer-term trends in the labor market.
While job growth rebounded in November with 227,000 new jobs added, the unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.2%.
The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates next week for the third time this year, as signs of a cooling labor market align with efforts to stabilize the economy.