Breaking: US Initial Jobless Claims 213K, Below Estimates

The US Department of Labor said Initial Jobless Claims climbed to 213,000 for the week ended November 22, below the market forecast of 217,000 and down from the prior week's revised figure of 215,000. This modest increase underlines continued resilience in the labor market in the face of economic headwinds.

Continuing Claims, which account for those continuing to receive unemployment benefits, increased by 9,000 to 1.907 million during the week ending November 15, and have risen modestly for the fourth consecutive week, showing continued upward creep in longer-term unemployment. The insured unemployment rate remained unchanged, indicating stability around job retention.

Following the data, the US Dollar Index (DXY) extended its decline to five-day lows near 106.30. The markets are now especially sensitive to labor market trends in light of decisions on future policy moves by the Federal Reserve in conditions of mixed signals.