#CPI&JoblessClaimsWatch

Initial jobless claims in the United States rose by 4,000 from the previous week to 223,000 on the first week of April, in line with market expectations, to remain at the historically low levels that were steadily shown since March. In the meantime, continuing claims fell by 43,000 from downwardly revised levels to 1,850,000 in the last week of March, well below market expectations of 1,880,000, to reflect slight traction in individuals finding suitable employment after a period of joblessness.

In the meantime, unemployment claims filed under programs for Federal government employees, which have been under close scrutiny due to firings by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), rose by fell by 56 to 508, the least since President Trump took office. Despite the decrease, reports that many firings by DOGE were done with severance packages prevents employees from claiming benefits immediately after being terminated.