Jobs
US Initial Jobless Claims Rise to 218,000, More Than Estimated
- Initial applications climbed 12,000 in week before Christmas
- Four-week average was little changed at lowest since October
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Initial applications for US unemployment benefits increased in the week leading up to Christmas, while remaining at a level that is consistent with a resilient labor market.
First-time claims rose by 12,000 to 218,000 in the week ended Dec. 23. The figures tend to be volatile around the holidays. The four-week moving average, which offers a clearer picture of the trend, was little changed at 212,000 last week, the lowest since late October.