ECONOMY

U.S. Jobless Claims Rise; Continuing Claims Fall Again

PUBLISHED Dec 11, 2025, 9:31 AM ET

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Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

WASHINGTON, The Labor Department reported Thursday that initial U.S. unemployment benefit applications for the week ending Dec. 6 rose by 44,000 to 236,000, exceeding analysts' 213,000 forecast. Continuing claims for the prior week ending Nov. 29 dropped by 99,000 to 1.84 million, the lowest since mid-April. Reporters noted applications as a proxy for layoffs while citing sluggish hiring. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by a quarter-point this week, citing labor-market concerns and potential downward payroll revisions. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research and primary sources.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Mid-April: continuing claims reached a prior low reference point earlier in the year.
Since April: Federal Reserve noted payroll growth averaged roughly 40,000 monthly (per Fed remarks).
Week ending Nov. 29: prior-week data were affected by the Thanksgiving holiday.
Week ending Dec. 6: initial jobless claims rose by 44,000 to 236,000, per Labor Department.
This week: Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark rate by a quarter-point, citing labor-market concerns.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Financial market participants and policymakers gained clearer, short-term signals to adjust expectations after the mixed jobs data and the Federal Reserve's recent rate decision.

Who Impacted

Jobseekers and workers in weaker sectors experienced continued hiring challenges amid stagnating payroll growth and a rise in initial unemployment claims.