Catherwood LibraryILR School

Despite rising tariffs and growing economic uncertainty, the U.S. labor market remained stable, with jobless claims increasing only slightly last week. Business confidence, however, is weakening, and companies are slowing equipment investments and hiring due to tariff-related concerns. Orders for durable goods jumped in March, largely because of a spike in aircraft demand, but that boost may be short-lived as China halts Boeing jet deliveries. While some layoffs are being prepared, continuing unemployment claims dropped, suggesting steady hiring overall. Economists warn that the labor market faces more risks, and GDP growth for the first quarter is expected to be very modest.