Initial Jobless Claims Rose by 1,000 in Week Ending January 17

Washington, DC, January 22, 2026-In the week ending January 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 200,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level, according to the Department of Labor. 

The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 198,000 to 199,000. The four-week moving average was 201,500, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since January 13, 2024 when it was 200,000. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 205,000 to 205,250.