US Unemployment Claims Rise Slightly, Labour Market Remains Stable
The number of US citizens filing for new unemployment benefits has risen slightly.
This increase indicates that the labour market remains relatively stable in February 2026.
The US Department of Labour reported that initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by 4,000 to 212,000 for the week ending February 21st, after seasonal adjustments.
This figure is lower than the 215,000 claims expected by economists surveyed by Reuters.
The level of claims still reflects a resilient labour market, after a period of weakness last year due to uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
The US Supreme Court overturned the emergency tariffs imposed by Trump under the national emergency law.
Trump then imposed a global tariff of 10 per cent for 150 days and increased it to 15 per cent at the end of the week.
Some economists believe that the latest policy has added short-term uncertainty, although its impact on the economy is expected to be limited.
The uncertainty surrounding import policies has led many businesses to hold back on hiring. The adoption of artificial intelligence is also encouraging companies to be more cautious about opening new positions.
This figure reflects hiring conditions and includes the period of the household survey used to calculate the February unemployment rate.
The unemployment rate fell to 4.3 per cent in January from 4.4 per cent in December. Consumer concerns about job prospects remain visible.
A Conference Board survey showed that the percentage of consumers who said jobs were “hard to find” rose to a five-year high in February. Some households still see improved job availability.
Labour market data also shows that the average duration of unemployment is approaching its highest level in almost four years. Job opportunities for young college graduates remain limited.
Newly unemployed graduates are generally not reflected in the unemployment benefit claims data. Many of them do not have enough work history to qualify for benefits.
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