Initial unemployment claims in the United States increased by 4,000 from the previous week, reaching 223,000 in the first week of April, in line with market expectations, to remain at historically low levels that have been consistently shown since March. Meanwhile, continuing claims fell by 43,000 from downwardly revised levels, standing at 1,850,000 in the last week of March, well below market expectations of 1,880,000, reflecting slight traction in individuals seeking suitable employment after a period of unemployment. Meanwhile, unemployment claims filed under programs for federal government employees, which have been under close scrutiny due to layoffs by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), increased by 56, totaling 508, the lowest number since President Trump took office. Despite the decline, reports that many layoffs by DOGE were made with severance packages prevent employees from claiming benefits immediately after being laid off.