Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 13
US Jobless Claims Rise to 209,000 as Continuing Claims Drop to 1.78 Million
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 13

US Jobless Claims Rise to 209,000 as Continuing Claims Drop to 1.78 Million

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Aug 13

Summary

  • 209,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims last week, up 9,000 from a revised 200,000 and above economists’ 205,000 estimate.
  • 1.78 million people were collecting benefits in the week ended Aug. 1, down 22,000, while the four-week average held at 199,000—signaling layoffs remain historically low.
  • 4.1% unemployment and claims stuck near the 200,000-230,000 range suggest the labor market is still resilient despite higher energy prices tied to fighting with Iran.
  • 23,000 jobs were cut last month, and employers have added just 61,000 jobs a month this year, underscoring a “no hire, no fire” market with solid job security but weak hiring.

Insights

Are summer statistical glitches hiding a real economic downturn, or is the U.S. job market truly stable?
Will the Federal Reserve ignore the surprise July payroll drop, or is a hidden labor crisis about to force a rate change?
With AI driving tech layoffs and hiring stalling, what does this new low-hire environment mean for your career?