US Continuing Claims Fall to a Nearly Two-Year Low

Continuing (recurring) US unemployment claims fell 32,000 to 1.819 million in the week ended March 14, the lowest level in nearly two years; initial claims rose 5,000 to 210,000. The mix — a notable drop in continuing claims but a small uptick in initial claims — signals a still-resilient labor market and is unlikely to move markets materially, though it remains relevant for Fed policy watchers.

Analysis

Continuing (recurring) US unemployment claims fell 32,000 to 1.819 million in the week ended March 14, the lowest level in nearly two years; initial claims rose 5,000 to 210,000. The mix — a notable drop in continuing claims but a small uptick in initial claims — signals a still-resilient labor market and is unlikely to move markets materially, though it remains relevant for Fed policy watchers.