Initial Jobless Claims Rose by 8,000 in Week Ending January 3

Washington, DC, January 8, 2026-In the week ending January 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 208,000, an increase of 8,000 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 199,000 to 200,000. The four-week moving average was 211,750, a decrease of 7,250 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since April 27, 2024 when it was 210,250. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 218,750 to 219,000.