US Jobless Claims Inch Up to 200,000, Labor Market Softens Amid Low Layoffs
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CNBC TV18•22-01-2026, 19:27
US Jobless Claims Inch Up to 200,000, Labor Market Softens Amid Low Layoffs
- •US applications for jobless benefits rose slightly to 200,000 for the week ending Jan. 17, up from 199,000.
- •Despite the slight increase, layoffs remain historically low, though the labor market shows signs of softening.
- •Hiring was sluggish in December, with only 50,000 jobs added, and the unemployment rate dipped to 4.4%.
- •Businesses posted fewer open jobs in November, indicating reluctance to ramp up hiring, a 'low hire, low fire' trend.
- •The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark lending rate to stabilize the softening labor market, impacted by tariffs and high interest rates.
Why It Matters: US jobless claims remain low, but the labor market is softening with sluggish hiring and fewer job openings.
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