jobless claims

[WASHINGTON] The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits increased marginally last week, suggesting no material shift in labour market conditions at the end of August.

Layoffs remain low even if hiring is soft

Initial claims decreased by 6,000 to 206,000 in the week ended Aug 15

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 209,000 for the week ended Aug 8

Economists said the labour market remained in a “slow hire, slow fire” mode

Thursday’s report was the latest to signal continued stability in the labour market

Initial claims decreased by 8,000 to 208,000 in the week ended July 11

Initial claims decreased by 2,000 to 215,000 in the week ended July 4

Companies, however, remain cautious about hiring