US jobless claims dip slightly to 215,000 as labor market holds steady
MarketsFN Data Team
Initial jobless claims edged down by 2,000 to 215,000 last week, marking a modest 0.9% decline as the labor market continues to show stability.
The latest figure remains below the 1-year average (219,132) and 5-year average (220,697), while hovering just above the 3-month average (213,857). Claims are well within the 52-week range of 190,000 to 259,000, reflecting a resilient labor market despite broader economic uncertainties.
The 4-week moving average declined to 218,750, suggesting a gradual easing in layoffs. This smoothed trend reinforces the view of a labor market that is cooling modestly but remains tight by historical standards.
Continued claims rose by 8,000 to 1.814 million, a 0.4% uptick, indicating slightly longer job search times for some workers. The increase remains small, however, pointing to no major deterioration in rehiring conditions.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Latest (week ending) | July 04, 2026 |
| Initial claims | 215,000 |
| WoW change | ▼ 2,000 (-0.9%) |
| 4-week moving avg | 218,750 |
| 3-month avg | 213,857 (+0.5% vs current) |
| 1-year avg | 219,132 (-1.9% vs current) |
| 5-year avg | 220,697 (-2.6% vs current) |
| 52-week high | 259,000 |
| 52-week low | 190,000 |
| Continued claims | 1,814,000 |
| Continued claims WoW | +8,000 (+0.4%) |
| Signal | Stable |
