Job opportunities in the U.S. are becoming more limited, even as layoffs remain low. Weekly unemployment claims rose slightly to 223,000, while continuing claims increased to nearly 1.9 million, indicating that unemployed workers are staying on benefits longer. Economists cite high interest rates, policy uncertainty, and trade tensions as reasons businesses are cautious about hiring. Small business spending is also slowing, which could further impact job growth. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady but still expects to cut them later this year.
See "US labor market remains stable, but job opportunities limited", Lucia Mutikani, Reuters, March 20, 2025