US jobless claims rose slightly last week but remained within historically stable levels, according to data reported by the Labor Department. Applications increased by 5,000 to 210,000 for the week ending March 21, in line with analyst expectations, according to FactSet.
The report said weekly filings, a key indicator of layoffs, continue to hover between 200,000 and 250,000, suggesting employers are largely holding onto workers despite signs of a cooling labor market. However, recent job cuts at major firms and a reported loss of 92,000 jobs in February point to underlying weakness.
US filings for jobless aid tick up last week to 210,000 but remain at historically healthy levels https://t.co/gXXlI8v4Ci
— L.A. Daily News (@ladailynews) March 26, 2026
According to government data, inflation remains elevated at 2.8%, while rising oil prices linked to tensions with Iran have added pressure on businesses and consumers. The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady but signaled future hikes.
Economists say the labor market is in a “low-hire, low-fire” phase, with hiring slowing amid uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and broader economic risks.
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TIPP Staff
