Posted 12/28/2023, 1:34:00 PM
Jobless Claims Edge Up Ahead of Holidays but Labor Market Remains Strong
- Initial jobless claims rose by 12,000 to 218,000 in the week ended Dec. 23
- Number of people already collecting benefits rose by 14,000 to 1.875 million
- Sixteen states saw falling claims in the past week, led by a sharp drop in Texas
- Labor market has been a bright spot for the economy, but job growth expected to trend lower
- Jobless claims data should be treated with caution around the holidays due to temporary hiring
