The number of initial unemployment claims in the United States unexpectedly rose to a one-month high but still remained at historically low levels.

The number of initial jobless claims in the United States has slightly increased but remains at a level consistent with a stable labor market. According to data released by the US Department of Labor on Thursday, the number of initial jobless claims increased by 5,000 to reach 215,000 people in the week ending May 23, exceeding market expectations and reaching the highest level since mid-April. The number of continuing jobless claims rose to 1.786 million people in the previous week, surpassing market expectations. Despite the recent increase, both of these indicators are still close to historical lows. Although some well-known companies have announced multiple rounds of layoffs, especially in white-collar positions in industries such as technology, the number of unemployment claims in the United States this year remains subdued. Analysis indicates that the number of initial jobless claims continues to be lower than the same period last year. So far, expectations of AI-driven automation and increased geopolitical uncertainty have not had a substantial impact on the weekly unemployment claim volume. Last week, the four-week moving average of initial jobless claims, an indicator that helps smooth fluctuations, rose to 209,000. Without seasonal adjustments, initial jobless claims rose slightly last week. The largest increases were seen in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Another set of data released on Thursday showed that consumer spending in the United States increased slightly in April, as the conflict with Iran pushed up energy prices, accelerating the annual inflation rate to the highest level since 2023.