US unemployment claims rose to 240,000 last week—14,000 more than the previous week and above the expected 226,000. However, the job market remains strong overall, with minimal layoffs and abundant job opportunities.
The increase coincides with uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff plans. While a federal court blocked his emergency tariff powers (easing market concerns), the administration is appealing to the Supreme Court, keeping the outcome uncertain.
The economic picture is mixed: The Fed is holding interest rates at 4.3% as both inflation and unemployment risks rise. The economy shrank 0.2% in Q1 2025, partly from companies stockpiling imports before potential tariffs. Yet employment stays robust—177,000 jobs were added in April, with unemployment steady at 4.2%.