The number of initial jobless claims in the United States last week was 221,000, lower than expected

The number of initial jobless claims in the United States last week was 221,000, lower than the expected 222,000, and an increase from the previous value of 216,000. The number of continuing jobless claims rose by 39,000 to 1.89 million, reaching a new high since the end of 2021, with analysts attributing this to the impact of hurricanes and strikes. Nevertheless, the number of layoffs remains at historically low levels, and the Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points