The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the USA increased by 2,000. The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits for the first time in the country reached 216,000 in the week ending December 17. Officials pointed out that the increase was less than expected.
Applications for unemployment benefits in the USA increased by 2 thousand in 1 week
The US Department of Labor has released data on weekly jobless claims. Accordingly, the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits for the first time in the country increased by 2 thousand to 216,000 in the week ending December 17, compared to the previous week.
Unemployment benefit applications, which were below market expectations, were expected to be realized at the level of 222 thousand in this period.
Tight labor market continues
The previous week’s data on unemployment benefits applications was revised from 211 thousand to 214,000.
As of last week, 4-week average unemployment benefits applications increased by 6 thousand 250 compared to the previous week and reached 221 thousand 750.
On the other hand, ongoing unemployment applications decreased by 6 thousand people in the week ending December 10, to 1 million 672 thousand.
Analysts stated that the below-expected increase in unemployment benefits indicates that tight labor market conditions continue.