Access Restricted for EU Residents
You are attempting to access a website operated by an entity not regulated in the EU. Products and services on this website do not comply with EU laws or ESMA investor-protection standards.
As an EU resident, you cannot proceed to the offshore website.
Please continue on the EU-regulated website to ensure full regulatory protection.
Friday Dec 5 2025 00:00
2 min
In the week ended November 29 (including Thanksgiving), initial claims for state unemployment benefits decreased by 27,000 to 191,000. It's worth noting that weekly claims data can be particularly volatile around holidays. The figure was below market expectations of 220,000.
The four-week moving average for claims, which smooths out volatility, fell to 214,750 last week, according to Labor Department data released on Thursday. That was the lowest level since January.
Even though many employers have sharply scaled back hiring in recent months and some large companies, including HP and FedEx, have announced layoffs, Thursday’s data suggests that actual layoffs remain limited, helping to ease concerns about a rapidly deteriorating labor market.
While continuing claims, a measure of the number of people receiving benefits, edged back to 1.94 million in the week ended November 22, they remained near their highest level since 2021. This ‘low hiring, low firing’ job market is holding down initial claims, but it's also limiting the ability of unemployed Americans to find new jobs.
U.S. companies cut the most jobs in November in more than two years, mostly driven by small establishments, according to data released Wednesday by the ADP Research Institute. That report, along with the weekly claims data, will feed into the Federal Reserve officials when they decide next week whether to cut interest rates for a third consecutive time.
A separate set of data released Thursday showed that U.S. companies announced fewer layoffs in November after surging the prior month, but still the highest for any November in three years.
Fed policymakers won’t have the November nonfarm payrolls report when they meet next week. Originally scheduled to be released on December 5, the report was delayed until December 16 because of a record government shutdown, and will be released with October’s employment data. Revelio Labs data suggests US nonfarm payrolls fell by 9000 in November, with October’s data revised from a 9100 decline to a 15,500 decline.
Initial claims also fell last week before seasonal adjustments. California accounted for almost half of the total drop in claims, followed by Texas and New York.
Risk Warning: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, investment research, or a recommendation to trade. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Markets.com. When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange), and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leveraged products can result in capital loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before trading, ensure you fully understand the risks involved and consider your investment objectives and level of experience. Cryptocurrency CFD trading restrictions may apply depending on jurisdiction.
Latest
View all
Monday, 29 June 2026
9 min
Monday, 29 June 2026
5 min
Monday, 29 June 2026
6 min
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Indices
Bitcoin Price Outlook: Could BTC Fall Toward $53,000 After Losing $60,000 Support?
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Indices
Brent Holds Above $73 as Iran Talks Uncertainty Offsets Hormuz Recovery
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Indices
Gold Price Today, July 1: Spot Gold Faces Worst Quarterly Loss in 13 Years
Monday, 29 June 2026
Indices
USD/JPY Breaks Above 162 as Yen Hits 40-Year Low Despite Japan’s Economic Resilience
EN
