Applications for U.S. unemployment benefits increased modestly last week, with about 200,000 new jobless claims, up from 199,000 the previous week, according to the Labor Department. The four-week average of claims fell slightly, suggesting layoffs remain low and the broader labor market still shows resilience despite economic uncertainty.
See "US consumer spending rises, labor market remains in lackluster shape", Lucia Mutikani, Reuters, January 26, 2026