Jobless claims are up, but unemployment is still low. What does that mean?

May 11, 2023
The four-week moving average of unemployment benefits claims is at the highest level since late 2021. Is this more evidence of a slowly cooling economy?
The four-week moving average of unemployment insurance claims is the highest it’s been since late 2021.
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One route to avoiding layoffs? "If businesses accept lower profit margins," said Wells Fargo economist Sarah House.
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Another week of historically low unemployment claims confirms the job market's on fire

Apr 21, 2022
Two years ago, more than 4 million people filed for benefits in a single week. This year, the number's around 180,000.
The data on recent filings for jobless benefits compares favorably with pre-pandemic levels, but nearly 2 million people were working before the pandemic who aren’t now.
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Workers have more leverage these days, but they're not less stressed

Apr 11, 2022
Nearly half of American workers are looking for a new job or plan to in the next year. One-third are ready to quit without a new job lined up.
One recent survey found that half of American workers think they’ll make more money just by switching jobs.
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First-time jobless claims rise — and worse may be yet to come

Jan 20, 2022
Analysts say businesses are under pressure and economic confidence has suffered.
The 311,000 number is higher than most predictions, while unemployment rose from 3.4% to 3.6%.
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Job market looks strong as 2021 ends. 2022 looks uncertain.

Dec 30, 2021
Weekly unemployment claims are still hovering at the lowest level we've seen since 1969.
Though first-time unemployment claims are at their lowest point in about 50 years, omicron could disrupt the job market.
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Pandemic postponed major financial decisions for 2 in 5 Americans, survey finds

Apr 8, 2021
With more than 18 million still on unemployment, caution remains the watchword.
Many Americans remain cautious and have delayed personal milestones like getting married.
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You can still get unemployment benefits after state payments run out

Oct 15, 2020
The federal government is funding 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits after state payments run out, but getting them can take extra effort.
The CARES Act gives people the opportunity for a 13-week extension after state unemployment benefits end.
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The unemployment rate in some neighborhoods is triple the national average

Oct 12, 2020
In parts of the South Bronx, the unemployment rate was estimated to be nearly 30% in August. Nationwide, it's a little less than 8%.
Felix Pinzon, an unemployed construction worker, pushes a cart of food donations in May in the Bronx.
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Many are still waiting for unemployment, months later

Sep 25, 2020
For many of those who have now gone months without a paycheck or unemployment, things are dire.
Hundreds of people waited in long lines in Kentucky in June for help with their unemployment claims, months after they had initially tried to file.
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