Indicators

US Economy Cools With Easing Inflation, Higher Jobless Claims

  • PPI rose 2.3% from April 2022, smallest advance in two years
  • Initial jobless claims increase to highest since October 2021
Workers powder-coat components at a facility in Williamsburg, Iowa.Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
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Applications for unemployment benefits climbed to a more than one-year high and wholesale inflation continued to moderate, adding to signs of softening in the economy.

The producer price index for final demand increased 2.3% in April from a year ago, the slowest pace since early 2021 and extending a year-long easing tied to falling commodities costs and improved supply chains. Government data Thursday also showed initial jobless claims last week rose to the highest since October 2021.