US Jobless Claims Edge Higher but Remain Historically Low
- Initial claims rose 8,000 to 208,000 for the week ending January 3rd, just under the 210,000 forecast
- Continuing claims climbed 56,000 to 1.914 million, topping expectations of 1.9 million
- Pattern suggests employers are slow to hire but also slow to fire, keeping the labor market in a holding pattern
- Federal employee claims dropped by 333 to 479 in late December as shutdown concerns eased