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According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s report released on February 6, 2025, initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased by 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 219,000 for the week ending February 1. This figure surpassed analysts’ expectations of 213,000 claims. 
Despite this uptick, the labor market remains robust. The four-week moving average of jobless claims, which helps smooth out weekly volatility, rose by 4,000 to 216,750. In December 2024, the U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs, bringing the unemployment rate down to 4.1%. January’s employment data, scheduled for release on February 7, is anticipated to show an increase of 170,000 jobs, indicating continued, albeit slower, growth. 
The modest rise in jobless claims suggests a gradual softening of labor market conditions. However, layoffs remain low, and job availability is still high, reflecting a healthy labor market overall.