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Strong, stable labor market may signal new normal to Federal Reserve

Mar 21, 2024
Unemployment claims fell last week. Despite relatively high interest rates, they're below pre-pandemic levels and near historic lows.
Job cuts have been concentrated at big tech and finance companies, said Andy Challenger at Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Above, Fed Chair Jerome Powell at his news conference Wednesday.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Unemployment claims are at their lowest number since January

Sep 21, 2023
The labor market is still pretty tight, even after the last year and a half of rate hikes loosened things a bit.
Even without big hiring expansions, there are still more jobs out there than workers available to fill them.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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.
Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

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%.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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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.
Patrick T. Fallon via Getty Images

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.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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.
Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images