Jobless claims rise for second week as tariff headwinds intensify

Odaily News The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose for a second straight week last week, pointing to weakening labor market conditions amid heightened economic headwinds from tariffs. Companies generally hoarded workers after struggling to find labor during and after the coronavirus pandemic, but growing uncertainty from President Trump's tariffs has forced some to lay off employees. Economists expect initial jobless claims this month to break out of the 2025 range of 205,000 to 243,000, largely due to difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations and similar trends in recent years. The rise in continuing claims is consistent with declining consumer confidence in the job market. (Jinshi)