US jobless claims rose unexpectedly, exceeding expectations, with a seasonally adjusted total of 241,000 for the week ended April 26. This marks the highest total since February 22 and surpasses the estimated 225,000.
Continuing claims also increased to 1.92 million, the highest level since November 13, 2021, with an uptick of 83,000. New York saw a significant increase in claims, more than doubling to 30,043, potentially due to spring recess in public schools.
Despite this rise, economists note that the trend remains intact, with the four-week moving average stable at 226,000. The Labor Department will release nonfarm payrolls data for April on Friday, expecting an increase of 133,000.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/01/weekly-jobless-claims-surge-to-241000.html