Last week, the number of initial unemployment claims in the United States increased by 18,000 to 243,000, the highest level since early 2020, indicating an increase in layoffs in the manufacturing, retail, and hospitality industries, suggesting potential softness in the labor market. The number of continuing unemployment claims also rose by 27,000 to 1,430,000, reflecting the growing challenges of reemployment. Factors such as the Federal Reserve's monetary tightening policy, rising borrowing costs, and global economic uncertainty may influence future policy decisions against the backdrop of inflation concerns.