Overview
- Initial unemployment claims declined by 8,000 to a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended March 14, below the 215,000 forecast.
- Continuing claims rose by 10,000 to 1.857 million for the week ended March 7, indicating more people remain on benefits.
- The Labor Department updated seasonal factors for 2026 and revised claims data back to 2021, altering historical comparisons.
- The Federal Reserve kept rates at 3.50%–3.75% and signaled only one cut this year as policymakers see higher inflation and a steady jobless rate.
- February payrolls fell by 92,000 as weather and a healthcare strike weighed on hiring, and the latest claims week coincided with March’s payroll survey period.