AI Data Insight
As of the end of Q2 2026, the four-week moving average of US initial jobless claims fell to 222,000, down from the previous reading of 224,300. The weekly initial claims also unexpectedly dropped to 215,000, outperforming the market consensus of 220,000. Although continuing claims edged up slightly, the overall trend continues to indicate a low willingness among companies to lay off workers, showing that the labor market retains solid underlying strength.