#CPI&JoblessClaimsWatch US initial jobless claims rose to 223,000 for the week ending April 5, matching expectations and marking a 4,000 increase from the previous week's 219,000. This uptick brings the four-week moving average to 223,000, unchanged from the prior week. Continuing jobless claims dropped by 42,000 to 1.850 million, with the four-week moving average slightly decreasing to 1,867,750 ¹.

*Key Labor Market Trends:*

- *Job Growth*: US non-farm payroll employment surged by 228,000 jobs in March, exceeding expectations of 135,000.

- *Unemployment Rate*: The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2% in March from 4.1% in February.

- *Inflation*: The consumer price index decreased by 0.1% in March, contrary to expectations of a 0.1% increase ¹.

*Economic Implications:*

The recent increase in jobless claims may signal a slowdown in the labor market, potentially influencing the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. With inflation and employment data in focus, investors are closely monitoring economic indicators for future trends ².